The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently awarded New York City’s Department of Transportation $3.05 million through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).
The funds will be used for a flood-mitigation project at the Staten Island Ferry Maintenance Facility.
The facility was flooded with seawater from the Great Kills Harbor during Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The facility was no longer functional and resulted in service disruptions.
During the flood mitigation project, backwater valves, window EZ flood panels, watertight pedestrian doors, overhead doors, and electrical enclosures for the sewer ejector pit electrical system will be installed. These additions will prevent future flood damage and will allow the facility to recover more efficiently from future storms by shortening how long the facility would not be functional.
“This much-needed federal funding will help protect the Staten Island Ferry Maintenance Facility against the next Superstorm — because we cannot afford a repeat of Hurricane Sandy,” U.S. Rep. Max Rose (D-NY) said. “Millions ride the Ferry every year, including so many hard-working Staten Islanders who depend on it to get them to and from work every day.”
HGMP was created to provide state and local governments funds for long-term disaster mitigation after major disasters to diminish property damage and save lives.