Statement by Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. on Draft Environmental Impact Statement of Rockaway Reformulation Plan

“The communities adjacent to Jamaica Bay – including the Rockaway peninsula, Broad Channel and Howard Beach – are some of New York’s most vulnerable areas when it comes to flooding. I welcome any project that aims to mitigate this serious and potentially dangerous problem. While I acknowledge that a project of this nature and magnitude is very much needed, it is important that the project is done right, and that includes making sure the shoreline and condition of Jamaica Bay are protected during the construction and operation of this storm surge barrier. Our government, on many different levels, and our local citizens all work hard to preserve this crucial area, and any project in this vicinity needs to be mindful of that. This plan put forth by the Army Corp. of Engineers has the potential to prevent millions of dollars in flood damage, not to mention the more critical issue of saving lives in the event of another major storm like Superstorm Sandy, but it must be done in line with our other values, including the protection of Jamaica Bay.”