SCHUMER AND GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $772 THOUSAND TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION ON DUNKIRK’S LAKEFRONT BOULEVARD SEAWALL; SENATORS SAY SEAWALL RESTORATIONS WILL PROTECT THE WATERFRONT, REVITALIZE THE LAKEFRONT, AND DELIVER AN ECONOMIC BOOST FOR THE REGION
The Lakefront Seawall Was Severely Compromised During 2019 Halloween Storms; High Winds Left The Upper Two Layers Of The Seawall In Tatters
Earlier This Year, Citing Public Safety, The Senators Called On FEMA For Robust Federal Funding To Rebuild The Seawall
Schumer, Gillibrand: Shore Up Dunkirk’s Seawall, Safety, And Its Economic Future
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $772,604 for the City of Dunkirk to begin construction on the Lakefront Boulevard Seawall, which was severely damaged in last year’s Halloween storms. The senators said the restoration of the seawall would not only protect Lakefront Boulevard and the waterfront, but also jumpstart the process of economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic ground Dunkirk and the rest of New York to a halt.
“The reconstruction of Dunkirk’s seawall will increase investment in the lakefront and the entire community, shoring up the region’s economic future. The new barrier wall will boost public safety and foster a rebirth of the city’s tourism and outdoor recreation industries,” said Senator Schumer. “I proud to deliver this funding that will keep Dunkirk safe from future storms and allow residents to once again enjoy the beauty of the waterfront.”
“Communities across Upstate New York are still dealing with the extensive damage caused by the 2019 Halloween storms, and it is our responsibility to assist in the recovery efforts to protect shoreline communities. This FEMA funding will help support efforts to rebuild Dunkirk’s seawall, making the waterfront more resilient and able to withstand the threat of natural disasters,” said Senator Gillibrand, member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. “Dunkirk’s lakefront seawall is essential for protecting the community from future flooding and storms. I will continue to do everything I can to ensure our shoreline communities get the help and resources they need.”
The senators have played an active role in securing funding for repairs to Dunkirk’s seawall, calling on FEMA last year to complete preliminary damage assessments necessary for unlocking federal funding, and again earlier this year to provide sufficient funding for the reconstruction project.
Specifically, FEMA will cover the federal cost share of $579,453 and the city will provide a local match at $193,151. The total project is expected to cost $772,604.
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