Stamford, CT – With the goal of assisting the flood- prone areas within their own districts, Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Hamilton Beach), Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach), and Community Leaders recently trekked north to Stamford, Connecticut to tour their Hurricane Protection Barrier.

The Stamford Hurricane Protection Barrier is located on the Stamford Harbor and was constructed in 1969 by the United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) costing approximately $14.5 million. According to the USACE website: “The project consists of three elements. The first, a barrier at the east branch of Stamford Harbor, is composed of a 2,850 foot-long earthfill dike with stone slope protection. It has an elevation of 17 feet. A 90-foot-wide opening is provided for navigation, and a pump station discharges interior drainage. The second element is a barrier that provides protection at the west branch of the harbor. This barrier, which has an elevation of 17 feet, is composed of a 1,350-foot-long concrete wall; 2,950 feet of earthfill dike with stone slope protection and a pumping station. The third portion provides protection at Westcott Cove. This barrier is a 4,400-foot earthfill dike with stone slope protection having a maximum elevation of 19 feet. It also has two pumping stations.” The Hurricane Barrier protected Stamford from damage during Hurricane Sandy and also prevented $38.4 million dollars in damage up until that point.

The tour included a viewing the water pumping station and the barrier’s operations. The group also took the opportunity to speak to David Martin, Mayor of Stamford, about his experience with storm resiliency and how the barrier has helped to achieve that goal.

“It was great to attend Stamford to get an in-person look at their hurricane barrier that helps to keep their city resilient,” Pheffer Amato noted. “Hamilton and Howard Beach have long suffered due to their proximity to the water and lack of protection from storm surges and flooding, which the USACE have been aware of for over fifty years. This is exactly the kind of resiliency measure that would be perfect for long-term protection communities bordering Jamaica Bay and I will continue to urge the USACE to consider such an option.”

Pheffer Amato added, “It’s time the Army Corp invests in our communities especially Hamilton and Howard Beach.”

“Traveling to Stamford, Connecticut was an extremely informational trip for us as elected officials and community leaders. We witnessed first-hand how effective that city’s flood protection measures are,” Addabbo said. “Stamford’s Mayor, David Martin, informed us that his city has not seen a major flood since the United States Army Corp of Engineers installed their Hurricane Protection Barrier in 1969. I believe that a similar installation within our flood prone communities can go a long way in protecting vulnerable areas like Howard Beach and Hamilton Beach. I will continue to work with all interested individuals in urging the USACE to bring comprehensive storm protection measures for our residents.”

“Being able to see the Stamford barrier along with the dikes and pumping facility components associated with it up-close was beneficial. It was well-worth the trip well-worth the trip for the opportunity to visualize how a similar system could benefit Community Board 10’s Sandy-impact zone,” Betty Braton, Chairperson of Community Board 10, said. “The discussion between Stamford officials and our delegation was informative and appreciated. USACE now needs to get busy to provide protection for Howard Beach and Hamilton Beach, sooner rather than later, in order to protect our people and prevent further negative economic impacts in our communities.”

"I want to thank Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato, State Senator Addabbo and the other community leaders who attended the tour of the Stamford Hurricane Barrier. Seeing the barrier in person and hearing from Stamford city leaders about the protection it provides was very informative. Barrier protection for Hamilton Beach and Howard Beach is something that should have been implemented years ago,” Roger Gendron, President of the New Hamilton Beach Civic, said. “How many more studies need to be done? The research is out there. Flood barriers that include tidal gates WORK. Just think had the USACE said back in the late 60's..."Let's build the floodgates in Jamaica Bay like we did elsewhere" how much damage from flooding could have been avoided from then up to and including Sandy! What they need to know is if the floodgates were in place, the homes that we live in…..the businesses we shop in…and the houses we worship in would not have flooded!. It’s time the USACE listens to those who know their communities the best...the residents."