Long Island, NY - April 2, 2018 - Assemblywoman Christine Pellegrino (D-Babylon/Islip/Oyster Bay) announced that the 2018-19 state budget includes $250,000 that she pioneered to fund an innovative study on building a storm surge barrier off the South Shore of Long Island, the first of its kind in New York State.
In September, Pellegrino brought New York State Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie on a tour of the Nassau Shores in Massapequa to witness the damage caused to the community by Superstorm Sandy and learn about how a sea gate could prevent similar devastation from happening again.
“A sea gate study is absolutely critical if we want to protectour homes and families from another Superstorm Sandy. Too many lives, businesses, and properties are at stake,” said Pellegrino. “This is just the first step in looking out for the South Shore for future generations. Climate change is real, and New York needs to move on this now, before it’s too late.”
The $250,000 will fund a study of the feasibility, costs, location, and impacts of a sea gate to act as a storm surge barrier.The construction of a sea gate is an innovative approach that would prevent damage to ecosystems, homes, businesses, and infrastructure on Long Island in the event of another storm like Irene or Sandy.
The budget allocation also includes funding for symposiums to inform residents of initiatives to protect Long Island neighborhoods from catastrophic storms, which are predicted to become more frequent with the changing climate.
“This is a direct response to South Shore residents who are still experiencing lasting damages caused by these catastrophic storms,” Pellegrino said. “Storm surge barriers in other regions have proven successful in protecting property values and helping the local economy and I’m hoping one can also be successful here on Long Island.”