MINEOLA, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — Nassau County is investing $20 million into multiple construction projects in the hopes of protecting thousands of homes and businesses from future storm surges and tidal flooding.
The five projects are expected to be completed in 2022 and hope to stem the effects of climate change. It’s expected that flooding and other weather events similar to Hurricane Ida will only continue in the future.
“Building our infrastructure safer, stronger and smarter is a top priority before the next disaster strikes,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. “These investments in hardening our infrastructure will help protect thousands of lives and millions of dollars’ worth of property. We’re thankful to Governor Kathy Hochul and the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery for providing the County with the needed resources for these critical projects.”
According to a press release, construction has already begun in Silver Lake Park to “elevate the existing perimeter walkway, along with reinforcing the outlook areas with brick pavers and reinforcing the shoreline with bulkheads and natural boulders and vegetation.”
Self-regulating tide gates are also being installed at the southern end of the lake to help regulate water flow and prevent flooding in the surrounding areas the event of another storm.
The Silver Lake project is expected to cost $1.95 million.
“New York is leading on resiliency by prioritizing community-driven projects developed from a grassroots recovery process,” said Eileen Méus, Deputy Executive Director for Community Reconstruction and Infrastructure of the Governor's Office of Storm Recovery. “We are excited to partner with Nassau County to implement the state's investment in infrastructure that will improve drainage and water quality across the South Shore.”
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Other projects throughout the county are expected to break ground this month. They are:
Lawrence Pipe Improvement – Installing check valves and increasing the diameter of pipes along Meadow Ln, Marbridge Rd., Causeway Rd., North Rd., and Barrett Rd. to remediate flooding at intersections.
Additional drains will also be constructed along the rear of Harrison Street on the Lawrence golf course. Approximate cost: $9.18 million.
Bay Park/East Rockaway Drainage Improvements – Reconstruction of the drainage system on Lawson Avenue, including numerous streets between Davis and Lawrence Street and three separate systems located off Lawson Avenue, Adams Street and North Boulevard. Improvements include increasing the size of pipes, installing additional drainage structures and new-in line check valves to prevent tidal surcharge. Approximate cost: $6.08 million.
Cedarhurst Pump Station – Construction of a new stormwater pumping station, installation of tidal check valves and storm drain piping to and from the pump station. A new emergency generator will also be provided to operate the pump station upon the loss of power. The station is designed to protect portions of Peninsula Boulevard – a main artery and major emergency evacuation route for the entire Five Towns Community – from flooding.
Approximate cost: $2.15 million.
Lido Beach/Point Lookout Drainage Improvements – Mitigates tidal flooding and increases costal resiliency by installing in-line check valves associated with 5 stormwater drainage outfalls. New drainage structures along Lido Boulevard will be constructed to collect and dispose of excess runoff along the curb line. Approximate cost: $1.23 million.
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“In light of our changing climate and the increased severity of storms, substantial investment in resiliency measures is key to the long-term viability of our communities,” said New York State Sen. Todd Kaminsky. “These projects, [totaling] over $20 million, are a game-changing solution to protect the Island we love for generations to come.”