(MINEOLA, NY) – October 13, 2021 – Nassau County Executive Laura Curran announced she will be seeking a comprehensive Resiliency Review of all existing storm water infrastructure as the effects of climate change become more pronounced and the size and frequency of major storms and other precipitation events continue to intensify. The Resiliency Review will allow the County to identify and prioritize flood mitigation projects that will help protect households and businesses most vulnerable to future disasters.
“We must make building our infrastructure safer, stronger and smarter a top priority before the next disaster strikes,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. “Nassau will be conducting a top-to-bottom review of drainage in every neighborhood throughout our County to ensure our residents and businesses are better prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws our way.”
Last month County Executive Curran and the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery broke ground on five projects totaling more than $20 million in Nassau to improve drainage:
- Lawrence Pipe Improvements – 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Silver Lake Drainage Improvements – Construction includes elevated bulkheading around Silver Lake, self-regulating tidal flood gates to regulate water flow and prevent tidal surges from entering and inundating the surrounding area, along with an elevated pathway around the lake and a fish ladder to enhance ecological conditions for aquatic life.
Tropical Storm Ida caused extensive flood damage to thousands of homes and key infrastructure assets in areas once thought impervious to major flooding. While Superstorm Sandy highlighted many vulnerabilities of Nassau’s south shore, Tropical Storm Ida has renewed focus on stormwater management and infrastructure throughout the County.
“For every dollar invested in climate-resilient infrastructure, six dollars can be saved,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. “Disaster risk reductions must be central in our planning to protect both life and property.”
The Resiliency Review is part of the County Executive’s Proposed Capital Plan in 2022.
To date, more than 4,300 Nassau households impacted by Tropical Strom Ida have applied for federal disaster recovery assistance.