Brooklyn Shoreline Protection Project Receives
$2.4 Million in House Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – At the request of Congressman Jerrold Nadler, the House of Representatives has included $2.4 million in its Fiscal Year 2007 Energy and Water Appropriations bill to protect Sea Gate in Coney Island from beach erosion.  The gradual shrinking of the beachhead has brought many homes perilously close to the water.

The erosion protection project will continue to be supervised by the Army Corps of Engineers, who will use the funding to construct T-Groins (rock jetties) along the beaches of Sea Gate.

These T-Groins are the permanent solution recommended by the Army Corps.  The construction of the rock jetties will present a long-term solution to the erosion of ocean beaches and the buildup of sand on the Gravesend Bay side of Coney Island.  Experts say that Sea Gate is only one nor’easter or bad storm away from catastrophic damage. 

“Beach erosion in Sea Gate has progressed to the point where homes are in danger of literally sliding into the sea,” Congressman Nadler said.  “I’m gratified that the House and the Administration have been wise enough – finally – to notice that not everything happening on the Coney Island waterfront is fun and games.  The Sea Gate community is in real danger from erosion, and this funding will go a long way toward solving the problem.”

In 1994, Congressman 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.

The Senate has not yet passed their version of the Energy and Water Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2007, but is expected to do so in the near future. A final version of the bill is expected to be sent to the President later this year.

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