De Blasio Announces Latest Update on Rockaway Beach Resiliency Project

The Bill de Blasio Administration and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ New York District have announced that they are in the process of receiving final approval for the East Rockaway Inlet to Rockaway Inlet and Jamaica Bay General Revaluation Report.

Pending final approval, construction on the first elements of the project, focusing on groins that will prevent beach erosion, is expected to begin in 2020.

The full plan for Rockaway Beach calls for a reinforced seawall/dune that will stretch from Beach 9th Street to Beach 149th Street, an increased beach berm width with 1.6 million cubic yards of sand for initial placement, the extension of five groins already in place and the construction of 13 new groins – all designed to help reduce the risk from future coastal storms and provide additional resiliency for the residents of this community.

Subsequently, the Army Corps plans to advance additional flood prevention projects, including High Frequency Flooding Risk Reduction Features (HFFRRF), on the Bay Side of the peninsula.

“We are moving rapidly to lock in the final approvals and get this vital resiliency project underway,” said NY Mayor Bill de Blasio. “For years, residents in the Rockaways have called for these measures to protect against future storms. We are closing in on the final steps needed to make them a reality, and give these communities the safety and the peace of mind they deserve. The Army Corps has been a tremendous partner, and we are grateful to the Corps, our federal officials and everyone who has fought to bring the Rockaways back after Sandy.”

“We’re making significant progress toward getting the approvals necessary to begin construction as soon as possible,” said Col. Tom Asbery, Commander, USACE, New York District. “This project will enable us to provide additional flood risk reduction measures for the residents of the Rockaway community and continue the Corps’ mission to provide real world solutions to the toughest challenges in the nation.”

The Atlantic Coast of New York East Rockaway Inlet to Rockaway Inlet and Jamaica Bay Study is a partnership between the Army Corps and the non-Federal Sponsor, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and in cooperation with New York City.