Schumer, Gillibrand & Israel Announce over $1.6 Million in Federal Sandy Funding for Restoration Project on Long Island

Press Release

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Steve Israel today announced $1,670,879.76 in federal funding to the Town of North Hempstead in Nassau County for the restoration of Leeds Pond located near Plandome Road, damaged as a direct result of Hurricane Sandy. The funding was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and will be used to cover administrative costs including engineer fees and initial design plans for the restoration of Leeds Pond.

"North Hempstead's Leeds Pond was damaged by Superstorm Sandy, and this funding will make sure it is properly dredged," said Senator Schumer. "This federal funding will ensure that local taxpayers are not entirely on the hook for the restoration of Leeds Pond."

"I am pleased North Hempstead will get this federal funding to help cover the initial cost of repairing damages caused by Superstorm Sandy," said Senator Gillibrand. "Securing this funding through FEMA is the first phase in the process to remove the sediment build-up and finally restore Leeds Pond. These investments remain critical as renovation efforts progress and we continue rebuilding our infrastructure on Long Island."

"North Hempstead and Leeds Pond took a powerful hit from Superstorm Sandy," said Rep. Israel. "This investment will restore the beauty and function of Leeds Pond while continuing a partnership between all levels of government and the community to ensure that we are rebuilding stronger and safer in the wake of Sandy's devastation."

"Superstorm Sandy certainly wreaked havoc on our Town and especially on our ponds and waterways," North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said. "I thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, Congressman Israel, and FEMA for providing this funding that will help us restore Leeds Pond to its pre-Sandy condition, and help protect one of our Town's main thoroughfares."

Leeds Pond is a small shallow water body located in the Town of North Hempstead at the southern end of the Port Washington Peninsula that collects storm water runoff. In 2012, Superstorm Sandy caused Manhasset Bay to surge and flood various facilities owned and operated by the Town of Hempstead. The flooding eroded the marshlands along Manhasset Bay beach and deposited the eroded materials into Leeds Pond. Preliminary plans calls for dredging and disposal of all sediments and re-contouring the pond's bottom.

This funding is provided under authority of Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

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