Sen. Schumer tours storm-torn coastline with Bellone and Levy; pledges push for FEMA aid

Shown left to right are Babylon Town Supervisor Steve Bellone, Sen. Chuck Schumer and S.C. Exec. Steve Levy as they inspect the damage done to Gilgo Beach and other Suffolk beaches as a result of storm erosion.

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy and Babylon Town Supervisor Steve Bellone toured storm-hammered areas in Gilgo Beach in the Town of Babylon to assess the damage and discuss the recovery efforts from the destructive Nor'easter, and this weekend's storms. The storms caused over $26 million in damage in Suffolk County, including significant erosion, flooding, and harm to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. In an effort to ensure that Long Islanders get the help they need, Schumer called on the President to immediately issue a disaster declaration to release all available assistance to residents and communities.

"Long Island's beaches were blasted by a devastating nor'easter," said Schumer. "The massive amount of wind and rain caused significant erosion along the South Shore in parks and beaches like Gilgo, as well as major flooding and damage to Suffolk and Nassau homes, businesses, roads, and infrastructure."

Emergency responders estimate the damage to be more than $26 million and with the beach season quickly approaching FEMA needs to come through with aid fast to ensure these communities can get back on their feet and avoid potential catastrophe when the next storm comes, said the Senator.

Babylon officials said many Town beaches have lost up to 100 feet annually in the last five years because of erosion, and this storm made the situation even worse. Some of the dunes that guard nearby Ocean Parkway from the surf of the Atlantic Ocean were lost. Debris and tidewater that breached the dunes during the storm sat a mere 15 feet from Ocean Parkway. Without immediate remediation, another major storm could threaten the integrity of Ocean Parkway and destroy Gilgo Beach, a major commuter highway with sewer pipes r u n n i n g through it.

Long Island was also plagued by flooding, especially in communities like Copiague, Amityville, Lindenhurst, Lake Ronkonkoma, and Babylon. Rain totals ranged from 1.5 inches to close to 4 inches. Across Long Island, almost 18,500 LIPA customers experienced power outages.

"Damage estimates have far surpassed the eligibility threshold for federal assistance in this area," said Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy. "We have been working closely with Senator Schumer and other federal and state officials, who are lobbying for a Presidential declaration to make our county eligible for reimbursement."

"We are very grateful to Senator Schumer for his success in securing desperately needed funding for the dredging of the Fire Island Inlet," said Babylon Town Supervisor Steve Bellone. "It has been more than four years since the inlet has been dredged, threatening the integrity of the barrier island. The Nor'easter reminded us how vulnerable we are in the Town of Babylon."

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