Suffolk Reporter

The House of Representatives has passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) with significant bipartisan support. The WRDA aims to authorize studies and projects within the United States Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works mission areas, which include navigation, flood damage reduction, hurricane and storm damage reduction, shoreline protection, and ecosystem restoration.

Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (R-NY-02) secured language in the final House bill that would aid flood mitigation and flood risk management efforts across New York's Second District. Specifically, the language included due to Rep. Garbarino’s efforts would authorize repair and restoration work for storms that result in damage to the Fire Island Inlet to Montauk Point Project and the Fire Island Inlet and Shores Westerly Project. These repairs could be accomplished following damage created by Nor’easters without needing an emergency declaration for extraordinary storms.

Additionally, Rep. Garbarino secured the inclusion of language authorizing feasibility studies for several local projects including:

- A project for flood risk management, hurricane, and storm damage risk reduction, navigation, and ecosystem restoration in the Town of Babylon.

- A project for flood risk management, hurricane, and storm damage risk reduction, navigation, and ecosystem restoration in the Town of Brookhaven.

- A project for flood risk management in the Town of Islip.

- A project for coastal storm risk management and flood risk management near Tobay Beach in Oyster Bay.

"Long Island's South Shore has been heavily impacted by recent nor’easters which eroded local beaches, endangered homes and public structures - from boardwalks to playgrounds - and even left emergency vehicles unable to traverse the eroded beaches to get where they are needed," said Rep. Garbarino. "Timely renourishment is necessary to prevent further deterioration and the current renourishment schedule is not adequate to meet the needs of our South Shore communities. That's why I advocated for the inclusion of language in WRDA that would allow for emergency renourishment in the wake of future storms and further protect Long Island beaches from erosion and flooding. I am pleased to have had my proposal pass the House and I thank my colleagues for their support of this critical issue."

In January, Congressman Garbarino testified before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure urging them to include his proposal aimed at protecting Long Island's shoreline from erosion due to storm damage in WRDA.