In the wake of unexpected and devastating coastal flooding earlier this month, Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D – Hamilton Beach) is calling on the city’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to review aging coastal infrastructure throughout southern Queens and Rockaway. The Assemblyman is also requesting that the city expedite work to install new storm water valves at the rebuilt bay wall in Rockaway.

“Coastal flooding is a fact of life for so many of our families in southern Queens and Rockaway, however this doesn’t mean we can’t take steps to mitigate the risk. We deserve to know that our coastal infrastructure is up to the task and that planned upgrades are put in place without delay,” said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder. “I urge the city to conduct a comprehensive review of our sewers and bulkheads, and make all necessary repairs so our families can have the peace of mind they deserve.”

In letters to DEP Commissioner Emily Lloyd and EDC President Maria Torres-Springer, Assemblyman Goldfeder called for a thorough review of the city’s sewer and coastal wall infrastructure in and around southern Queens and Rockaway. Goldfeder cited concerns from residents over the effectiveness of sewer infrastructure in properly handling tidal surges like the unexpected high tides on February 8th and 9th. The Assemblyman wrote that the review would help allay families’ concerns with clogged catch basins and sewer lines, a problem Goldfeder has consistently heard from residents in the three years since Superstorm Sandy.

Goldfeder’s letter also called on EDC to expedite the installation of storm water “duckbill” valves along the city-owned stretch of bay walls between Beach 125th and Beach 130th Streets in Rockaway. According to information obtained by Goldfeder’s office, the installation, originally scheduled by EDC for the first week of December, has yet to be completed and is still being coordinated with DEP. The information obtained also states that tide gate installation at the site, originally slated for early last month, is stalled due to a production delay on the part of the gates’ manufacturer. In both cases, Goldfeder is calling for the agency to quickly complete the work.

Since Superstorm Sandy, Assemblyman Goldfeder has made flood protection a priority both at home and in the state legislature. Last year, Goldfeder was appointed to the Assembly Committee on Insurance. Goldfeder quickly used this new position to introduce legislation creating the New York Flood Insurance Association as an alternative to federal government’s broken National Flood Insurance Program. In light of this most recent request, Goldfeder has pledged to continue his efforts to bring lasting relief from the threats facing so many families in his coastal district.

“The future of our communities as we know and love them depends on making lasting improvements to protections against storm surges. This is a top priority for me and I will not rest until we have the infrastructure and the programs in place that our families need and deserve,” concluded Goldfeder.

(YWN Desk – NYC)