Staten Island Reporter

(STATEN ISLAND, NY) - As hurricane season begins, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has selected Triumph Construction Corp. as the contractor for the first phase of construction (SSSI Drainage Area E) of Staten Island's East Shore Seawall.

The $132 million contract for SSSI Drainage Area E marks the initial construction segment of several elements constituting the overall project. This phase includes constructing large interior drainage ponds (detention basins) connected with an open channel culvert, various stormwater drainage structures such as box culverts, junction chambers, sluice gates, weir chambers, flap gates, and inlets for future stormwater inlets. Additionally, it involves relocating existing sanitary sewers. The entire Seawall project alignment encompasses 3,400 feet of earthen levee, 2,100 feet of floodwall, and 22,700 feet of buried seawall between Fort Wadsworth and Oakwood Beach.

"It’s been almost 12 years since Hurricane Sandy and our community has been patiently waiting for real protection from future storms and relief from high flood insurance premiums," Malliotakis stated. "I’m pleased to announce that the U.S. Army Corps has awarded the contract for the first phase of the project's construction, putting an end to seemingly never-ending bureaucratic hurdles."

Malliotakis emphasized her efforts since joining Congress to expedite this project: "Since coming to Congress, getting this project back on track has been my top priority. Our office worked with a new Mayor and DEP Commissioner to stop endless redesign requests made under the de Blasio Administration." She also highlighted coordination with federal agencies to ensure agreement on remediation around Great Kills Park and securing additional federal funds due to cost increases from previous delays.

"As we enter yet another hurricane season," she concluded, "this award is welcome news for Staten Island residents and I'm proud to have played a role in getting this project back on schedule, fully funded and ready for groundbreaking."