Multiple nor’easters in recent months have damaged the barrier island protecting Long Island’s South Shore from the worst effects of storms and hurricanes. Suffolk County and local towns want federal help.
A series of storms in the last three months have eroded the dunes on Fire Island, which were restored by the United States Army Corps of Engineers after Superstorm Sandy.
The county responded by dredging sand to restore the beach, but they’ve only been able to repair part of the damage.
Local officials have asked Congress for help. They say the Army Corps of Engineers can declare an emergency to begin assisting the region right away.
A larger restoration project to restore 19 miles of beach on Fire Island is set to be completed in 2020.
