South Queens, NY - New York State Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-South Queens) has secured flood barriers for constituents of the 23rd Assembly District. The Assemblywoman’s Office has been helping residents across the Rockaway Peninsula, and in neighborhoods of Howard Beach and Ozone Park, file flood damage reports with New York City which stemmed from the recent storms.

The Assemblywoman was able to arrange the giveaway of inflatable barriers that range in size and can be used to prevent water from entering a property. This was done through a partnership with NYC DEP (Department of Environmental Protection). “The question isn’t whether we’re getting another storm like Sandy, but when,” said Pheffer Amato. “As we are approaching the 11-year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy, we are reminded that we must stay prepared. Residing in a community which is in a recognized flood-zone means that there is always a risk of flooding. As our City, State, and Federal agencies are continuing to work on resiliency projects, these flood barriers can provide some temporary relief. The safety of my constituents has always and will always be my number one priority.”

Pheffer Amato has also introduced legislation, A.2824, which would provide for non-discriminatory, equitable flood insurance options for New York State residents. She is also the co-sponsor of bill A.132 which would establish the Office of Flood Mitigation to facilitate and enhance flood mitigation efforts and bill A.3782 which provides low or no-interest loans to individual property owners for hazard mitigation or resilience projects.

Those interested in getting a flood barrier must call the Assemblywoman’s office at 718-945-9550 to RSVP and live within the bounds of the 23rd Assembly District.