Press Release

Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $7 Million in Federal Funding for Fire Island’s Village of Saltaire as a Result of Superstorm Sandy

Apr 30, 2013

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand today announced over $7 million in federal funding for the village of Saltaire for the repair and restoration of the boardwalk style roads as a result of Superstorm Sandy. The funding is being provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance program.

“Superstorm Sandy caused significant damage to the boardwalk and roads in the village of Saltaire and, with the summer months approaching, they need to be fixed ASAP,” said Schumer. “I am pleased to announce this necessary federal funding to repair Saltaire’s roads so that they can be restored to the pre-storm condition. This critical funding will ensure Long Islanders don’t have to shoulder the entire burden of these expenses.”

“Saltaire’s infrastructure suffered severe damage from Superstorm Sandy, and local cleanup crews wasted no time in removing debris in the aftermath so families and businesses could get back on their feet,” Senator Gillibrand said. “This necessary funding is an important step as we continue to meet Long Island’s needs to recover and rebuild.”

Mayor Robert Cox stated that “the funding will allow us to expedite the necessary structural repairs to our walkway system, which is critical not only in providing safe access around the village, but in providing adequate emergency rescue and fire services to the residents and visitors of our community.”   

The village of Saltaire, in Fire Island, sustained enormous damage as a result of Superstorm Sandy. The village is receiving $7,549,260 in FEMA funding for the repair and restoration of the boardwalk style, village-wide roads. A large percentage of the timber decking, timber joists, timber girders and timber posts were uplifted and twisted through the village. When the surging waters receded, the structural roadway system was badly damaged and remained at a much higher elevation or settled back down to a lower elevation than the pre-existing condition. A large portion of the timber roadway system is no longer safe for use and needs repair.