WASHINGTON, DC – This week, U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) sent a letter requesting the Biden Administration fund a feasibility study for ecosystem restoration and hurricane and storm damage risk reduction for Spring Creek South and Howard Beach, Queens in the Fiscal Year 2022 budget. Rep. Jeffries secured a directive in the Water Resources Development Act of 2020 to expedite the completion of this study.

The New York City area, along with the entire Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States, was severely impacted by Superstorm Sandy in 2012. This historic storm killed more than 280 people and caused more than $70 billion in damage, making it one of the costliest natural disasters in American history. The Howard Beach community continues to face flooding during both major and minor storms. 

“The study will recommend a comprehensive, integrated solution to provide the community with a resilient and environmentally sustainable shoreline, providing long-needed storm risk management benefits and restoring critical habitat,” wrote Rep. Jeffries. “The residents and businesses of Howard Beach need assistance, and this feasibility study represents an opportunity to deliver on our promise to build back better for the American people.” 

Click here to read the letter to OMB Acting Director Shalanda Young.