Biship, Schumer, Foley Announces $897 Thousand For Davis Park Restoration

Press Release

BISHOP, SCHUMER, FOLEY ANNOUNCE $897 THOUSAND FOR DAVIS PARK RESTORATION

Today Senator Charles E. Schumer, Congressman Tim Bishop and Brookhaven Town Supervisor Brian X. Foley announced that the Town of Brookhaven has been awarded an $897,754 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to use for the restoration of Davis Park following the April nor'easter. The Public Assistance (PA) emergency funds will go towards repairing dunes and beach areas and to protect homes.

Davis Park was hit particularly hard in April, threatening not only several homes, but mainland Long Island as well if there had been a breach. Immediately following the storm, Supervisor Foley's office worked diligently with the local communities to gather information and to seek as much assistance as possible. He enlisted the aid of Senator Schumer and Congressman Bishop who worked closely with FEMA to secure the needed funds.

"This is a win-win for the Davis Park community," Senator Schumer said. "The April nor'easter magnified the area's severe erosion problems, serving as a reminder of how critical it is that we act quickly to reduce future storm damage. I am happy we secured this funding and look forward to working with Congressman Bishop and Supervisor Foley to ensure the long-term protection of Davis Park homeowners. "

"I am pleased to help secure this funding so that we can protect Davis Park during the current hurricane season," Congressman Bishop said. "I want to commend Supervisor Foley and the Town of Brookhaven for being such effective advocates to respond to the extensive damage caused by the nor'easter and for mobilizing resources to restore affected areas. I am pleased that FEMA has recognized the urgency of the situation, and I will continue to work to secure additional funds for long term protective measures."

"We have a winning team in Washington, and this is proof positive of how good they really are," said Supervisor Foley. "Senator Schumer and Congressman Bishop didn't lose a minute bringing much needed help to the citizens of Brookhaven. They cut through the paperwork and we'll be putting the sand where it's needed, when it's needed. We look forward to bringing more help to Davis Park and thank FEMA for their cooperation at this critical time."

Work on this project is currently scheduled to commence in mid-to-late August, which would put protections in place for a 5-year storm. Additionally, Senator Schumer and Congressman Bishop are working closely with FEMA and Supervisor Foley to secure additional aid to put permanent repairs in place.

FEMA funding represents 75 percent of the approved project cost. New York State pays the other 25 percent and manages the PA Program. The PA program reimburses eligible state agencies, municipalities, and certain private non-profit organizations that provide essential services of a governmental nature for the cost of emergency protective measures taken during the disaster, the cost of debris removal, and for repairs to roads and bridges, water control facilities, buildings and equipment, utilities, parks, recreational facilities and other items.

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