Red Hook Recreation Center Gets $8M To Fix Sandy Damage

BROOKLYN, NY — Nearly seven years after Superstorm Sandy battered New York City, a popular recreation center in Red Hook will finally be getting some much needed federal funds to fix damage caused by the storm.

The allocation of more than $8 million in federal funding for the Red Hook Recreation Center was announced Tuesday by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Representative Nydia M. Velazquez.

The funds were provided through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Specifically, it came from the Public Assistance Grant Program, which "provides grants to government organizations and private nonprofit organizations after a major disaster."

"Red Hook was devastated by Superstorm Sandy and these funds will rebuild and fortify a key community institution, the Red Hook Recreation Center, to once again be an asset to the whole community," said Schumer.

Added Gillibrand: "This federal funding to the Red Hook Recreation Center is a critical investment that will help flood-proof its basement facilities to protect the center from future severe weather. I will always fight for the resources our communities need to fully recover after Superstorm Sandy."

City Council Member Carlos Menchaca, who represents Red Hook, described the allocation of money as a positive step forward, but also made sure to acknowledge how long it took for the community to get the much needed funds.

"It's a welcome and long overdue moment to finally receive FEMA funding for the Red Hook Recreation Center. Restoring this facility is acknowledgment of this center's importance not just to Red Hook, but the entire city," he said.