Funding Aims to Protect Coney Island Erosion

The Federal government will commit $450,000 in funding to protect against Coney Island beach erosion, thanks to a successful funding request by Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY). The Army Corps of Engineers received the funding in the FY03 Omnibus Appropriations Bill for the construction of "T-Groins" (rock jetties) along the beaches of Sea Gate. These T-Groins are the permanent solution recommended in an environmental assessment report, just recently released by the Army Corps. The rock jetties that will be built will present a long-term permanent solution to the erosion of ocean beaches and the build up of sand on the Gravesend Bay side.

"My first introduction to the erosion problem occurred soon after I won the 1992 election. I was attending an orientation program for new members of Congress when I got an urgent call from a staff member who said 'Congressman, I think you better get back, your district is being washed to sea,'" said Rep. Nadler. "Since, that faithful day when I saw Sea Gate's vulnerability to storms I have always been a strong advocate in ensuring that the community will always be protected." In 1994 Rep. Nadler worked to bring about the sand replenishment of the beaches and the construction of the West 37th Street Groin. In 2000, he worked out a plan with the Army Corps of Engineers to replenish sand on a short term basis and instructed them to study alternatives for a long-term solution to the erosion of sand in Sea Gate.