U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, Congressman Dan Donovan and Borough President James Oddo have announced $2 million in federal funding to kick start the design phase of the Staten Island Sea Wall project.
The funds have been provided to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and will go towards field surveys and geo-technical work.
“When it comes to protecting Staten Island from damaging storms and surges, we have to utilize every tool in the tool box and that is why hammering out a plan for the Island’s sea wall is so critical ,” said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer .
Congressman Dan Donovan said: “ This marks the beginning of an intensive design process that will lay the groundwork for one of Staten Island’s most transformative projects. ”
The project is divided into three phases: feasibility, design, and construction. During the feasibility phase, which concluded in 2016, the Army Corps determined whether construction was possible, estimated costs and benefits and completed preliminary engineering work.
During the design phase, engineers and architects will create detailed blueprints and construction plans. Lastly, during the construction phase, the Corps and contractors will build the seawall based on the design.
Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2018 or early 2019.