The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has agreed to expedite a proposed $30 million dredging project to protect sections of Ocean Parkway damaged during Sandy.
More than 1 million cubic yards of sand would be deposited on the beaches at Gilgo and Robert Moses state parks. The funding is included in the Sandy Supplement Aid Package. It's awaiting approval by the House of Representatives.
Sen. Charles Schumer announcement the agreement on Monday. The Corps will immediately allocate $350,000 for the project's engineering and design.
Schumer told Newsday the project will benefit commuters, tourism, fishermen and businesses that rely on a passable Fire Island Inlet.
The $33.2 million project also includes dredging sand from Fire Island Inlet to restore five miles of dunes at Gilgo and Tobay beaches.
Corps to Expedite Fire Island Dredging
More than 1 million cubic yards of sand would be deposited on the beaches at Gilgo and Robert Moses state parks
Copyright AP - Associated Press
