SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, DONOVAN, DE BLASIO ANNOUNCE MORE THAN ONE MILLION IN FEMA FUNDING TO COMPLETE SANDY-RELATED REPAIRS AT WOLFE’S POND PARK

$1.4 million in FEMA funds dedicated to repairing extensive Sandy damage to playgrounds

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Congressman Dan Donovan (NY-11) and Mayor Bill de Blasio recently announced $1,427,436 in FEMA funding to repair Hurricane Sandy damage to Wolfe’s Pond Park. Specifically, the funding will replace more than 600 square yards of safety surface at park playgrounds, and repair more than 1,400 square yards of asphalt path, among other work. This funding allows for the remaining Sandy-related repairs at Wolfe’s Pond Park, as much of the work has already been completed.

“Wolfe’s Pond Park is a Staten Island treasure that offers residents access to a wide range of recreational activities, however, when Superstorm Sandy hit our coastline, much of this park was unfortunately destroyed. It is crucial for this much-loved waterfront park to be back in full working order so that so many Staten Islanders can enjoy all that it has to offer. I am pleased that FEMA is providing over $1 million in federal funding for repairs to Wolfe’s Pond Park, which will help make sure local taxpayers are not entirely on the hook for these critically needed expenses,” saidSenator Schumer.

“Superstorm Sandy devastated our communities and this critical FEMA funding will help provide resources on the ground to renovate Wolfe’s Pond Park on Staten Island,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Restoring these public spaces is a critical part of our ongoing recovery and these federal funds are an investment in the community and families that live on Staten Island.”

Congressman Donovan said, “Piece by piece, we’re making our way through this labyrinthine recovery. Thank you to Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and to FEMA for their work in securing this investment. I look forward to enjoying a fully restored Wolfe’s Pond Park with friends and neighbors when work is complete.”

“Sandy’s impact was felt across Staten Island and our city – from homes and businesses, to our open space like Wolfe’s Pond Park. This vital funding will allow us to finish making key repairs and ensure that Staten Islanders can fully enjoy all of the park’s great amenities,” Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We will continue to work with our federal partners as we expedite relief and build a stronger, more resilient Staten Island and New York City.”

Schumer and Gillibrand fought hard to pass the Sandy Relief Bill in Congress and were integral to securing Sandy relief funding after the storm. Since taking office in May of this year, Donovan has made Sandy recovery a top priority. He recently introduced his first bill, the Flood Insurance Mitigation and Policyholder Protection Act, to improve recovery processes.

Wolfe’s Pond Park abuts the ocean in southeastern Staten Island. One of the borough’s largest parks, it hosts a beach, extensive wildlife, and hiking trails. The park was badly damaged after the storm and in need of repairs. Since Superstorm Sandy, New York City has repaired and re-opened one of the park’s playgrounds; repaired pathways and fencing; restored the tennis courts; reconstructed the dog run; performed forestry work; installed new comfort stations and more. Schumer, Gillibrand, Donovan and de Blasio explained that this federal funding award will make sure the final repairs are completed.