USA: Senator Schumer Supports Beach Replenishment Projects

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer called on FEMA to formally assign the Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize storm protection projects, including beach berms, dunes, and temporary sea walls, on Staten Island’s shoreline after the protective beaches were destroyed by Superstorm Sandy.

The neighborhoods of South Beach, Midland Beach, New Dorp Beach and Oakwood Beach are in dire need of beach sand, which serves as a natural storm barrier in the event of another storm or hurricane. Recently, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) asked the Army Corps of Engineers to analyze emergency protective measures that could be taken to fortify the coast line. Schumer called on FEMA and the Army Corps to move forward with protective measures necessary to protect life and property along Staten Island’s shoreline.

“Residents in communities like South Beach, Oakwood Beach and Midland Beach should not be left vulnerable in the event of a future natural disaster, and we must do everything to ensure their protection,” said Schumer. “Superstorm Sandy scraped away the barriers that were there before and they must be replaced. The Army Corps must begin replenishment projects like adding sand and dunes along the shoreline so that these communities are not flooded if another hurricane hits our region.”

The shoreline communities on Staten Island, including South Beach, Midland Beach, New Dorp Beach and Oakwood Beach, were devastated after Superstorm Sandy. The beaches along the coast have been destroyed, and lost between ten to twenty feet of sand in length and four to six feet of sand in height. At FEMA’s request, the Corps of Engineers is currently considering short-term protective measures like a temporary sea wall along Father Capadonno Boulevard and replenishing devastated South Shore beaches.

The Stafford Act provides FEMA the authority to take short-term action in conjunction with the Army Corps of Engineers to provide protection to vulnerable communities. Beach nourishment would provide Staten Island’s beaches with additional sand, protecting communities and structures along the beach in the event of a future storm.

Schumer called FEMA to mission assign the Army Corps of Engineers to begin beach nourishment projects along Staten Island’s shoreline so that communities are protected while a long-term project, like a sea-wall, is being considered. Schumer explained that added sand and dunes would protect the communities of South Beach and Midland Beach in the event of a future storm.

[mappress]

Press Release, February 6, 2013