Senator Andrew Lanza and Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York State has designated $5.9 million for critically important beach restoration work on Staten Island that will provide essential natural barriers to future storms. The targeted $5.9 million restoration work involves raising sand levels, including dune restoration work, at beaches severely damaged during Superstorm Sandy. The affected beaches are New Dorp Beach, South Beach, Cedar Grove and Oakwood. The contract is expected to be awarded this week and the work to begin shortly thereafter.

Senator Andrew Lanza said, “Restorations to our vulnerable coastline is vitally important to the residents of Staten Island, especially those living in beachfront communities,” said Senator Andrew J. Lanza. “This funding will allow for immediate restorations to the barriers that protect those living along the coastline, making them stronger and better equipped to prevent flooding and sustain future storms. I applaud Governor Cuomo for his ongoing support as we work to rebuild the many communities devastated by Hurricane Sandy.”

“This restoration work is imperative for the protection of residential communities on Staten Island that have become more vulnerable to future storms as a result of Sandy's unprecedented destruction,” said Governor Cuomo. “Recognizing the danger these residential communities faced after Sandy, I convened a team of state, local and federal agencies to expedite this restoration process and do everything within our power to safeguard these communities on Staten Island. I am pleased that this work is beginning, which will restore the natural barriers that are so important to protect our residents and communities during severe storms.”

Borough President James P. Molinaro said, “I want to commend the Governor for this forward-thinking plan to help restore Staten Island's beaches and protect homeowners from future storms. Hurricane Sandy altered our shorelines and destroyed property. Many beachfront homes have no protection from the sea and are vulnerable to flooding year-round. However, from Day One, the Governor has been on the ground helping Staten Island recover from the devastation of Sandy. Now, our Borough will particularly benefit from this new initiative. On behalf of the people of Staten Island, I applaud the Governor for all his leadership and support in the aftermath of this historic storm.”

Senator Diane Savino said, “On behalf of our neighbors that we need to protect from the coming season, I thank Governor Andrew Cuomo for maintaining his commitment to the people of Staten Island; especially those who continue to be affected by Hurricane Sandy, these renovations will provide some protection that was lost during the storm that has made our eastern and southern shores even more vulnerable than they were when Sandy came ashore and caused so much destruction and death.”

Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis said, “This is great news for residents along the East Shore whose homes were devastated by Sandy and want to rebuild. Protecting our communities from the ocean is a priority and I thank Governor Cuomo for helping us build back a stronger, better Staten Island and providing residents from future storms.”

Assemblyman Joseph Borelli said, “Staten Island's beachfront is more than just an important amenity for our community. It's a critical protection for our homes and neighborhoods. Restoring the Sandy-devastated shoreline, will help make sure that lesser storms won't wreak havoc on Staten Islanders in the future. From South Beach to Tottenville, we need to look at every possible option to ensure that a disaster like this never happens again.”

Participating agencies include the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York City Parks and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The project, funded at the request of Governor Cuomo by FEMA through the Public Assistance program, is intended to protect homes in the areas closest to the beaches from future storm events, such as Nor'Easters, since Superstorm Sandy removed all of the dunes in this area of Staten Island.