SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, BOWMAN ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $1.2 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL FED FUNDING TO WESTCHESTER COUNTY FOR HURRICANE SANDY REPAIRS AT GLEN ISLAND PARK IN NEW ROCHELLE
FEMA Funds Will Cover Cost to Permanently Repair City of New Rochelle’s Glen Island Park
Reps Say Feds Continue Showing Admirable Commitment To Do Right By New Yorkers Left Reeling By Hurricane Sandy Even Years After Historic Relief Package Became Law
Schumer, Gillibrand, Bowman: Much-Needed Funds Will Fill In The Gaps Of Glen Island Park’s Full Post-Sandy Rebound
Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Representative Jamaal Bowman announced that Westchester County will receive an additional $1,246,978.16 in federal funds to complete permanent repairs to Glen Island Park in New Rochelle, which suffered heavy damage during Hurricane Sandy. The storm completely demolished sections of Glen Island’s bath house and swept away half the sand on its beach, as well as downing many trees. Allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) public assistance grant program, this most recent amount is the final federal allocation towards the total cost of the project, $3,342,226.17, with FEMA covering 90 percent of the County’s costs less a flood insurance reduction.
“I applaud FEMA for recognizing the importance of this project and providing Westchester County with the additional funding it needs to continue its repairs to Glen Island Park in New Rochelle, which was a victim of Hurricane Sandy’s wrath,” said Senator Schumer. “This Westchester treasure suffered serious damage to its sea wall, sidewalks, handrails, and beach pavilions during Hurricane Sandy and this federal disaster assistance goes a long way to lift the cost burden of repairs off taxpayers and reassures local residents that the federal government will help with recovery until the job is done.”
“Many New York communities are still dealing with damages sustained from Superstorm Sandy,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This significant FEMA investment will help New Rochelle continue its restoration efforts of Glen Island Park and help ensure that local residents are not stuck with the bill for damages caused by the storm. Every year, countless Westchester County residents look forward to spending their summer days at Glen Island Park. Our federal commitment to fully restoring Glen Island will help ensure that this precious resource is available for families throughout the county to enjoy for years to come.”
“We’re grateful that this substantial investment from FEMA will allow recovery work in Glen Island Park to continue, without taxpayers having to take on an additional burden for further disaster relief,” said Rep. Bowman. “Our collective experience with the pandemic this past year underscored how important it is for our families and kids to have access to safe, thriving outdoor spaces in their communities. It is in all of our interests to undo the longstanding damage of Hurricane Sandy and bring the federal resources necessary to protect this New Rochelle treasure for today’s and future generations.”
“Our County’s treasure in Glen Island Park has seen it all – from the simple pleasure of a waterside stroll, to super storms making landfall, to a first of its kind COVID mass testing site. And now, thanks to Senate Majority Leader Schumer, Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Bowman this south County jewel will once again be restored to its full might. Our federal representatives were there for this beloved park when it was first in need following Super Storm Sandy and I am proud that they stand with us again,” said Westchester County Executive George Latimer.
During Hurricane Sandy, high winds and storm surge caused damage to Glen Island Park, located on the north shore of Long Island Sound. Westchester County has owned and operated the Glen Island Park in New Rochelle since 1923. The storm surge inundated large portions of the 105-acre park with salt water and debris. With this funding additional repairs will be made to the sea wall, sidewalks, handrails, and beach pavilions at the County-owned park.
Through the public assistance program, FEMA provides reimbursement funding for eligible projects including those related to debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities and the facilities of certain Private Non-Profit (PNP) organizations. The PA Program also encourages protection of these damaged facilities from future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures during the recovery process.
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