USACE Releases Draft HSGRR/EIS

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, announced last Friday the availability of the Draft Integrated Hurricane Sandy General Reevaluation Report and Environmental Impact Statement (Draft HSGRR/EIS).

The Corps also announced General Conformity (GC) Determination which supports the draft Statement of Conformity (dSOC) for the Atlantic Coast of New York, East Rockaway Inlet to Rockaway Inlet, and Jamaica Bay Reformulation Study and a 60 day review period for the public to submit written comments.

With the passage of Public Law 113-2, the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013, the Corps has been provided the authority and funding to complete ongoing coastal storm risk management projects and studies in the Northeast, including this project.

USACE has evaluated and prepared a Draft HSGRR/EIS for the currently authorized, but unconstructed coastal storm risk management project that was originally designed to provide for beach erosion control and hurricane protection within the Rockaway and Jamaica Bay region of New York City.

“The Rockaway peninsula was one of the most heavily impacted areas during Hurricane Sandy and this report outlines the study results.  We’re now at the very important public review and comment period and we’re looking for feedback and input so we can make well-informed decisions in regards to coastal storm risk reduction and resiliency measures for the communities in the study area,” said Col. David Caldwell, commander, New York District. 

USACE will be holding a series of public meetings within the next 60 days with specific meeting information to be announced shortly.