Senator Charles Schumer and Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder this week urged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to immediately hold public community forums regarding plans for the Rockaway Reformulation Study. Two and a half years ago, Superstorm Sandy devastated communities surrounding Jamaica Bay, however, the Army Corps of Engineers has not yet held any public meetings on a study that addresses the need for future waterfront protection. Photo courtesy of the Offices of U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder.
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder this week urged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to immediately hold public community forums regarding their plans for the long-delayed Rockaway Reformulation Study. Two and a half years ago, Superstorm Sandy devastated communities surrounding Jamaica Bay, however, the Army Corps of Engineers has not yet held any public meetings on a study that addresses the need for future waterfront protection.
The federally-funded Rockaway Reformulation Study will ultimately determine a long-term, cost-effective solution for erosion control and coastal protection projects along the Atlantic Coast, between East Rockaway Inlet, Rockaway Inlet, and Jamaica Bay. While the reformulation study dates back to a 2003 agreement with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, it has been subjected to various delays in funding and implementation. In the Sandy Supplemental Appropriation of 2013, Senator Schumer secured full federal funding to complete the study and construction of the preferred alternative. For months, the Army Corps has said that they intend to provide public forums for residents to review suggested project alternatives, but so far meetings have not been scheduled. Schumer and Goldfeder said that the Army Corps should immediately provide those forums so that impacted residents can review the plans and project alternatives and provide experts with necessary community input as they continue to rebuild after Superstorm Sandy.
“Rockaway residents, many of whom are still feeling the devastating impact of Superstorm Sandy, deserve to know about the full details of this federally-funded ‘Reformulation Study,’ which will help create much-needed resiliency projects to better withstand the next monster storm,” said Senator Schumer. “The Army Corps should hold community meetings ASAP on the ‘Rockaway Reformulation Study’ to educate the community and to get their input.”
“More than two years have passed since Sandy devastated Rockaway and our struggling communities are still waiting for the Army Corps of Engineers long-term resiliency plans for our waterfronts,” said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder. “Our families should have the chance to see the plans they have been waiting for and provide valuable input to ensure long term protection.”
By Forum Staff
