SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, RICE ANNOUNCE NEARLY $3 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO RESOLVE HEMPSTEAD BEACH EROSION DUE TO FLOODING AND TROPICAL STORMS

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, and U.S. Representative Kathleen Rice today announced $2,861,087 in federal funds to repair beach erosion associated with Tropical Depression Ida and a Nor’easter, and to prepare for future damage caused by flooding and severe storms in the Town of Hempstead. The funding was administered through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Specifically, the funding will support Hempstead as the town addresses significant erosion damage to Point Lookout, a berm intended to protect against inland flooding. 

“The severe storms and flooding caused by Tropical Depression Ida and a Nor’easter resulted in significant and devastating damage to Point Lookout,” said Senator Schumer. “I’m proud to deliver critical federal investments to our communities so they can recover and rebuild stronger than before. These federal funds will help ensure that Point Lookout and the rest of the South Shore is protected against future storms. I won’t stop fighting for federal funds to fortify the infrastructure of our coastal communities.”

“New Yorkers who call the South Shore of Long Island home need resources to respond to the impacts of severe storms and prepare for future natural disasters,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This federal funding will assist the Town of Hempstead as it rehabilitates and replenishes Point Lookout. I will always fight for funding that strengthens New York’s neighborhoods and safeguards our communities from flooding and damage.”

“I was pleased to help secure this federal funding to address beach erosion in the Town of Hempstead with Senators Gillibrand and Schumer,” said Representative Rice. “The threats of coastal flooding and severe storms will continue to grow—one of the most dangerous effects of climate change for the South Shore. I will continue fighting in Congress to make sure we have the resources needed to keep our communities safe.”

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