Last week, Congressmember Bob Turner met with Colonel John Boule, district commander of the New York District Army Corps of Engineers, to discuss the Army Corps of Engineers’ projects in the 9th Congressional District.
Projects discussed included ecosystem restoration in Jamaica Bay, the Jamaica Bay Federal Channel (at Rockaway Inlet) Navigation project, the Storm Risk Reduction Project at Plumb Beach and a Reformulation Study on the Rockaway Peninsula.
“It was important for me to discuss these local projects with Colonel Boule, especially those relating to Plumb Beach and the Rockaways. My district has the most Army Corps activity of the 43 congressional districts Colonel Boule oversees,” said Turner. “I appreciate his taking the time to meet with me, and I assured him that my office will work closely with his, to do everything we can to see these projects through to completion.”
During the meeting, the congressmember and Boule also discussed how they can work together to secure the federal funding needed to complete the local projects.
“The Army Corps of Engineers looks forward to working with Congressmember Turner to address diverse water resources challenges – reducing flood risk to critical public infrastructure such as the Belt Parkway, restoring the aquatic ecosystems in Jamaica Bay and maintaining safe navigation,” said Boule.
Turner and his staff have met with several residents and organizations, including the Jamaica Bay Task Force and the Sheepshead Bay-Plumb Beach Civic Association.
“These projects have been in the planning phases for a number of years, and the communities affected by them are rightfully looking for actual work to begin to reduce the risk to our communities. I will do all I can to make this a reality,” said Turner.
The Army Corp. of Engineers has a multifaceted mission in navigation, aquatic ecosystem restoration and flood risk damage reduction.
