PHOTO: FEMA is reimbursing the city School Construction Authority $35 million for permanent repairs made at Beach Channel High School, which was seriously damaged by Superstorm Sandy. File Photo
More than $35 million in federal funding will be reimbursed to the city for permanent Superstorm Sandy-related repairs made to Beach Channel High School, according to elected officials.
The city School Construction Authority is set to receive $35,264,759 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand (both D-N.Y.), U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica) and Mayor Bill de Blasio.
The school has completed repairs on the fire alarm system, football field and power for the scoreboard. The federal funding will help BCHS repair floors, walls, and doors of rooms throughout the school as well as the domestic water system, the electrical system and the heating plant, according to the officials.
Some of the funds will be used for continued repairs to the fire alarm and public address systems, plumbing and electrical systems, heating plant, boiler room and its boilers, the oil and tank room, auditorium stage, restrooms, steam traps, hot water pump, woodshop, swimming pool pump room, and the facility grounds.
The funds will also be directed toward mitigation efforts in the event of future storms, including the installation of flood barrier systems for doors, raising vents and fuel pumps, the installation of flood gates, reinforced concrete walls and pads to support building foundations, and to create a water tight room for the mechanical and electrical systems.
“In order for our students to reach their full potential, we must provide them with safe environments in buildings that provide top-notch facilities for a variety of academic and athletic endeavors,” said Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña. “This funding is critical, and moving forward, it is crucially important that we make the investments necessary to ensure our schools are resilient and prepared should catastrophe strike again.”
By Michael V. Cusenza
michael@theforumnewsgroup.com
