The projects chosen by the New York Rising committee for Rockaway West are in the implementation phase, according to state officials.
Chelsea Muller, of the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery, said Tuesday night that the state is strategizing ways to bring the individual projects to fruition.
The different projects, which range from creating a relief center network to developing a Rockaway bike share, will be implemented by different agencies, including the state, city and non-profit groups, Muller said.
Rockaway West, which comprises Neponsit, Belle Harbor, Rockaway Park and Rockaway Beach, was allocated $21.3 million through the Community Development Block Grants.
The committee, with input from the general public, has spent the last eight months developing a suite of projects on which to use the funds. The committee focused on projects that can be implemented quickly and whose benefits can be sent in a short amount of time.
There are 45 NY Rising communities throughout the state; none of the funds allocated for this program have been spent yet, according to officials.
Muller said the governor’s office has brought on a team of consultants to implement the projects. Alma Smith, a representative of consulting firm HGA, which will be working on Rockaway West, said her firm has managed more than $500 million in HUD funds, especially for infrastructure projects.
The firm has worked on Hurricanes Katrina, Isaac and Irene, Smith said. She said she could not give a specific timeline as to when contractors will be prepared to break ground on any of the projects because there are so many steps through which to pass first.
Those steps include choosing architects and consultants to design and complete the projects, performing background checks, designing the projects, making sure cost estimates are up to date and completing environmental assessments.
Proposed Projects
1. Bioswales to improve drainage
2. Bayside coastal protection
3. Relief center network
4. Health care service expansion
5. Long-term ferry operations
6. National Grid site redevelopment
7. Beach 108th Street improvements
8. Bus circulator service
9. Rockaway bike share
10. Net harbor park
To see the complete NY Rising Rockaway West proposal, click here.
2. Bayside coastal protection
3. Relief center network
4. Health care service expansion
5. Long-term ferry operations
6. National Grid site redevelopment
7. Beach 108th Street improvements
8. Bus circulator service
9. Rockaway bike share
10. Net harbor park
To see the complete NY Rising Rockaway West proposal, click here.
“Yes the clock is ticking, but yes we have a timeframe,” she said. “This project is only for two years so we have to finish.”
John Cori, a committee member and local activist, expressed his frustration at the $21.3 million figure.
“It’s a pittance – it’s nothing,” he said. “But it’s something.”
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