Sens. Schumer, Gillibrand Announce More Than $4 Million In Federal Funds for Sandy-Damaged Infrastructure on Long Island

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13 -- The office of Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following news release:

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $4.3 million in federal funding for Sandy-damaged infrastructure on Long Island. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds will help pay for the localities' repairs to the Merrick Sanitation Building in Hempstead, as well as the Bellport Village Marina bulkhead and parking lot..

"Critical infrastructure throughout Long Island was hit hard by Superstorm Sandy and in need of repair," said Senator Schumer. "These federal funds will help make the Town of Hempstead and the Village of Bellport whole again and make our infrastructure stronger than before, without leaving local taxpayers on the hook for these expenses."

"Hurricane Sandy was disastrous for communities on Long Island, and our public infrastructure was hit hard by the storm's damaging effects," said Senator Gillibrand. "This federal investment will help the Town of Hempstead and Village of Bellport continue to rebuild by supporting necessary repairs to local infrastructure."

FEMA has awarded $1,911,113 to the Town of Hempstead for repairs to the Merrick Sanitation Building damaged as a result of Hurricane Sandy. The Merrick Sanitation Building is crucial for the disposition all solid waste generated within the boundaries of the town. Overall, the sanitation building oversees nearly 670,000 tons of garbage each year, creating an economic and environmental benefit for citizens of Hempstead. During Superstorm Sandy, the Merrick Sanitation Building was badly damaged forcing sanitation workers to operate out of trailers in the immediate aftermath as repairs to the facility were made.

FEMA has also awarded $2,334,323 to the village of Bellport for repairs to the Bellport Marina bulkhead and parking lot, which was damaged as a result of Hurricane Sandy. Bellport Memorial Park flooded during the storm causing damage to the marina, docks, bulkhead and gazebo.