Brooklyn, NY – Today, the Canarsie Pier re-opened to the public for recreational use after being closed for six months due to Superstorm Sandy-related damages.  Located on the Jamaica Bay, the pier is part of Gateway National Recreation Area, a National Parks Service site.

In April, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries toured the pier with representatives from the National Parks Service to get a first-hand assessment of the structural condition.  During the tour, it was communicated that there would be uncertain delay in re-opening the pier due to the damages sustained and need for a safety assessment by engineers.  In response, Rep. Jeffries pushed to have an expedited study conducted to determine the condition of the pier and the nature of any repairs the structure would need to ensure it could safely re-open to the public.

 
“I applaud the effort by the National Parks Service to conduct a timely and comprehensive evaluation of the structural soundness of the pier.  Thankfully, the report concluded that Canarsie Pier is safe and can re-open just in time for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend,” said Rep. Jeffries. 
 
In January, Rep. Jeffries voted for the “Disaster Relief Appropriations Act,” the first major piece of legislation he fought to pass as a new member of Congress.  The bill provided over $50 billion in critical Sandy recovery funding.  The Gateway National Recreation Area received $180 million to address damage caused by the storm, including funds for the repair of the Canarsie Pier.
 
“Superstorm Sandy may have knocked us down,” said Rep. Jeffries.  “But we're getting back up.  The re-opening is great news for the neighborhood, whose voices have been heard.  Canarsie Pier is back, and I look forward to working hard with the community to make sure that moving forward it will be better than ever.”

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The Canarsie Pier has been a prime location for New York City’s fishing community for over 300 years.  The pier offers several recreational opportunities for people of all ages such as fishing, kayaking, picnicking, summer concerts, ranger-led fishing demonstrations, and more.  For more information on the pier, please visit: Canarsie Pier – New York City Harbor Parks.