(BALDWIN, NY) September 28, 2021 – Officials from the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery joined Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, New York State Senator Todd Kaminsky, Assembly member Judy Griffin and County Legislator Debra Mulé at Silver Lake Park to announce the start of construction on five new flood prevention and resiliency projects designed to protect thousands of South Shore homes and businesses from storm surge and tidal flooding.
“Building our infrastructure safer, stronger and smarter is a top priority before the next disaster strikes,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. “These investments in hardening our infrastructure will help protect thousands of lives and millions of dollars’ worth of property. We’re thankful to Governor Kathy Hochul and the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery for providing the County with the needed resources for these critical projects.”
"New York is leading on resiliency by prioritizing community-driven projects developed from a grassroots recovery process. We are excited to partner with Nassau County to implement the State’s investment in infrastructure that will improve drainage and water quality across the South Shore,” said Eileen Méus, Deputy Executive Director for Community Reconstruction and Infrastructure, Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery.
Construction is underway at Silver Lake Park to elevate the existing perimeter walkway, along with reinforcing the outlook areas with brick pavers and reinforcing the shoreline with bulkheads and natural boulders and vegetation. Self-regulating tidal gates will be installed at southern end of the lake to regulate water flow and prevent tidal surges from entering and inundating the surrounding area. The project costs approximately $1.95 million and will be completed by next year.
Other projects breaking ground this month to be completed by 2022 include:
- Lawrence Pipe Improvement – Installing check valves and increasing the diameter of pipes along Meadow Ln, Marbridge Rd., Causeway Rd., North Rd., and Barrett Rd. to remediate flooding at intersections. Additional drains will also be constructed along the rear of Harrison Street on the Lawrence golf course. Approximate cost: $9.18 million.
- Bay Park/ East Rockaway Drainage Improvements – Reconstruction of the drainage system on Lawson Avenue, including numerous streets between Davis and Lawrence Street and three separate systems located off Lawson Avenue, Adams Street and North Boulevard. Improvements include increasing the size of pipes, installing additional drainage structures and new-in line check valves to prevent tidal surcharge. Approximate cost: $6.08 million.
- Cedarhurst Pump Station – Construction of a new stormwater pumping station, installation of tidal check valves and storm drain piping to and from the pump station. A new emergency generator will also be provided to operate the pump station upon the loss of power. The station is designed to protect portions of Peninsula Boulevard – a main artery and major emergency evacuation route for the entire Five Towns Community – from flooding. Approximate cost: $2.15 million.
- Lido Beach/Point Lookout Drainage Improvements – Mitigates tidal flooding and increases costal resiliency by installing in-line check valves associated with 5 stormwater drainage outfalls. New drainage structures along Lido Boulevard will be constructed to collect and dispose of excess runoff along the curb line. Approximate cost: $1.23 million.
“In light of our changing climate and the increased severity of storms, substantial investment in resiliency measures is key to the long-term viability of our communities,” said Senator Todd Kaminsky. “These projects, totally over 20 million dollars, are a game-changing solution to protect the Island we love for generations to come.”
Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, Member of the New York State Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee said: “Flood prevention is a must on Long Island and these new prevention and resiliency projects are incredibly important in protecting homes and businesses along the South Shore from storm surges and tidal flooding. This is a huge proactive step forward since fortifying our shorelines safeguards our communities from the threat of tidal flooding as well as our next Superstorm, which is always looming. I thank Governor Hochul for securing this vital funding to shield South Shore residents and their property from future storms.”
“Not only will Nassau County’s multi-million dollar investment in Silver Lake Park ameliorate the persistent flooding that has plagued area residents for so many years, restoring this park to its former beauty is bound to serve as a catalyst for downtown Baldwin’s long-awaited revitalization,” said Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé. “I am proud to work alongside Governor Hochul, Senator Kaminsky, Assembly Member Griffin and County Executive Curran on a project that will improve public safety, protect the environment and boost our quality of life.”