Draft report for Nassau County released

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced the release of a draft report for the Nassau County Back Bays Coastal Storm Risk Management Study.

The report outlines a ‘Tentatively Selected Plan’ framework, which includes the elevation of more than 14,000 residential structures and dry flood proofing of more than 2,500 industrial/commercial properties to reduce the risk of flood damages associated with storm surge.

It’s important to note that the plan is subject to change. It has not yet been approved by higher authorities, including Congress, and has not been funded for implementation at the federal or state level.

“The Nassau County Back Bays Study outlines important strategies to protect our South Shore from the next major coastal storm. We need to continue hardening our shorelines and floodproofing homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure in order to ensure our residents’ safety in the years ahead,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran.

“The draft study report released today sustains our efforts to obtain community guidance on plans, programs, and projects to optimize coastal resiliency along Nassau County’s southern shore,” said New York State DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “With our strong and collaborative partners—the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nassau County, local governments, and community stakeholders—this draft report includes potential strategies to protect our coastal communities from severe storms and weather events driven by our changing climate.”

USACE will host virtual public meetings to discuss the report and answer questions in September and/or October 2021. The deadline for sending comments is October 18, 2021.