Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced more than $5 million in awards to 14 historically significant properties that suffered severe damage from Superstorm Sandy. The funding will be used to assess, renovate and protect the landmarks so that they can be appreciated by future generations.
“Some of New York’s most treasured historic properties that have withstood the tests of time were battered by Superstorm Sandy and are now more vulnerable to extreme weather,” Governor Cuomo said. “This funding will enable not-for-profit organizations and municipalities to better protect these important places so that they can continue to serve as educational and tourism assets for New York’s communities.”
“Parks, cemeteries and historic landmarks are part of the fabric of their communities, and the damage they sustained was one of the many tragedies of Superstorm Sandy,” Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Rose Harvey said. “Under the Governor’s leadership, we are excited to be able to assist with this important aspect of New York’s ongoing recovery from the storm.”
This first round of funding is provided by the National Park Service and administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Grants are being made available to properties that are on or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, owned by municipalities or not-for profit organizations and located in one of 13 FEMA-designated counties. Work must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties and be pre-approved by the State Historic Preservation Office.
Applications for a second round of funding, with an additional $5 million available, will be announced in the near future.
Congressman Tim Bishop said, “As we continue to rebuild from Superstorm Sandy, it is important that the state and federal governments work together to ensure that we not only rebuild and preserve our beaches and neighborhoods, but also those landmarks that are an important part of our heritage. These two properties are important pieces of the history of the east end of Long Island and I am glad that we are able to sustain them for the enjoyment of future generations.”
Awards under the first round of funding are as follows:
SUFFOLK COUNTY
Caumsett Dune Restoration, Caumsett State Park, Huntington, Suffolk County
$201,000 to the Caumsett Foundation for repair of sand dunes, sand trails, historic Plank Road and restoration of native plantings at Caumsett, the Gold Coast 1919 estate of Marshall Field. The project will include restoring the trail access to the coastal area and enhancing visitor access.
Downs Farm/Fort Corchaug Site Restoration, Southold, Suffolk County
$30,000 to the Town of Southold for clearance of dangerous overhanging trees/limbs above walking trails at the Downs Farm/Fort Corchaug Preserve. The site encompasses the Fort Corchaug archeological area, a National Historic Landmark designated Native American fort site that preserves contact period archeological deposits.
Oak Beach Community Center, Babylon, Suffolk County
$750,000 to the Town of Babylon for the repair and restoration of this former Coast Guard Lifesaving Station for continued use as a community center. Built ca. 1872, the structure sustained significant damage from Sandy and these funds will allow for full repair and restoration, including siding, windows and doors and interiors.
Tupper Boathouse, Southampton, Suffolk County
$456,807 to the Town of Southampton for the first phase of work required to lift the boathouse 2′ above flood elevation. The Town purchased the Colonial Revival style boathouse 10 years ago for use as an educational facility that will interpret the area’s maritime history and provide access as a “trailhead” to the Peconic Bay/Conscience Point environmental/scenic and recreational area.
Source: Press release issued by the Office of Governor Cuomo, July 24.
