Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Eliot L. Engel today announced $5,466,331 in federal funding to repair the Yonkers Waterfront Park for damages suffered as a direct result of Superstorm Sandy. The funding was allocated through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and will be used to cover administrative costs and replace damaged power switches and transformers. This funding is provided under authority of Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.
“I applaud FEMA for recognizing the importance of this project and providing the City of Yonkers the funding it needs to replace the damaged electrical systems at the Waterfront Park, which was a victim of Hurricane Sandy’s wrath,” said Senator Schumer. “This Westchester treasure suffered serious damage and this federal assistance will go a long way in taking the cost burden of repairs off of taxpayers and reassuring local residents that the federal government will be there as they continue their recovery efforts.”
“Superstorm Sandy devastated our communities and this FEMA funding will help provide resources on the ground to make electrical repairs at Waterfront Park,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Securing this funding through FEMA will help Yonkers finally replace the damaged electrical wiring, conduits and transformers at the park with renewable energy sources and more resilient structures. These investments remain critical as renovation efforts progress and we continue rebuilding our infrastructure in Yonkers.”
“Just 3 months ago we passed the third anniversary of Superstorm Sandy hitting New York, and we are still dealing with the aftermath of what was one of the worst natural disasters to hit our area in generations,” Congressman Engel said. “All over my district we have procured millions of dollars in federal grant money to help rebuild from that devastating storm, but there is still much work to be done to repair the destruction. I am pleased FEMA has continued to make good on providing much needed federal aid to the area, and this grant of nearly $5.5 million will no doubt make a real difference in improving the Yonkers waterfront for everyone.”
“We are most appreciative to FEMA for awarding Yonkers the funds needed to help rebuild from the devastation that impacted the city during Superstorm Sandy,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “Along with Congressman Engel, Senator Gillibrand, and Senator Schumer’s commitment to Yonkers, we are now able to restore the underground lamp post wiring for 74 lights which line the esplanade, illuminating our beautiful Yonkers waterfront for all to enjoy.”
During Superstorm Sandy waterproofing measures failed from pressure, allowing floodwaters to damage electrical components and connections in the ground and wall mounted fixtures, underground junction boxes, conduits, and power switches and transformer cabinets.