$349K in Federal Funding to Repair Veterans Beach After Sandy: Zeldin

NORTH FORK, NY - Severe damage incurred in Mattituck due to Super Storm Sandy will be repaired with federal funding, Congressman Lee Zeldin said Monday.

Zeldin, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said $349,335 in federal funding would be allocated for much-needed repairs to the Peconic Bay shoreline bulkhead and the parking lot at Veterans Beach in the Mattituck Park District; both of which were hit hard by Super Storm Sandy.

“When Superstorm Sandy hit, our communities on Long Island were devastated. Veterans Beach in Mattituck Park District was one area that was severely impacted, leaving the parking lot and bulkhead damaged and in need to significant repair,” Zeldin said. “Working closely with Mattituck Park District, my staff and I were able to successfully secure the necessary federal funding to repair and restore the damaged infrastructure at Veterans Beach. This is funding that was long overdue. Through the federal funding secured, Mattituck Park District will now be able to fund the necessary renovations to protect, restore and strengthen our local community so that Long Island can rebuild stronger than before.”

New York State Ken LaValle lauded Zeldin’s efforts. ““It’s a pleasure working with Congressman Zeldin to protect and preserve our valuable shoreline. When all levels of government work together, we can continue to make great strides in our efforts to protect our precious environment. Congressmen Zeldin’s achievement in securing federal funds to repair Veteran’s Beach illustrates his commitment to our communities.”

Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell said the beach is a critical North Fork resource. ““I am pleased that, yet again, Congressman Zeldin has come through for the residents of Southold Town. Veterans Beach is an important asset to the community and this money is key to making sure we can all enjoy it for years to come,” he said.

Veterans Beach is a well-used public park that provides water access to residents, Suffolk County Legislator Al Krupski said. “Thanks to Congressman Zeldin, this relieves a financial burden from the Mattituck Park District.”

Mike Ryan, Mattituck Park District commissioner, agreed. “The residents of the Mattituck Park District have been extremely well served by Congressman Zeldin’s office. Super Storm Sandy had a severe impact on our Peconic Bay shoreline bulkhead. The Congressman’s office rescued our stalled application for FEMA, and saved our residents the tremendous burden of funding this restoration out of pocket,” he said.

Ryan added: “To me, this was a refreshing experience of how our branches of local, state and federal government are supposed to work. We are very fortunate to reside in such a unique area, and enjoy access to some even more unique parkland. It is through efforts such as this which will ensure those Parklands to be there for generations to come.”

The federal grant was secured through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency.