This document summarizes the impacts of Superstorm Sandy on Long Island, including multibillion dollar costs and damage from storm surge flooding. It outlines some of Long Island's responses to Sandy over the past 5 years, including various resiliency projects through state and federal agencies to improve infrastructure, protect homes and critical facilities, and restore natural barriers. However, it notes that the work has been piecemeal rather than regional, and that less than half of planned coastal protection projects and under 10% of homes in flood zones have been protected. It concludes that while progress has been made, Long Island is not yet ready to withstand another major storm like Sandy due to unfinished projects and the need for more comprehensive planning and protection efforts.

1. “Resiliency Options for Long Island Communities”
or
“Is Long Island Ready for Sandy 2?”
Presented at:
“Keeping the Water Out and the Lights On”
New York Conference
May 18, 2017
By:
John D. Cameron, Jr., P.E., Managing Partner,
Cameron Engineering & Associates, LLP,
Chairman
Long Island Regional Planning Council

2. Superstorm Sandy Impact On Long Island
• Multi-­Billion Dollar Direct and Indirect Impact on Island’s Economy
• Thousands of Homeowners and Businesses Displaced
• Delayed and Insufficient Funding Resulted in a Slow Recovery and
Piecemeal Approach to Resiliency / Protection Planning
• Damage Caused By Flooding Due to “Storm Surge”
• Sandy Not a “Worst Case Scenario” – Non-­Rain Event, Non-­
Hurricane Strength Winds, Initial Landfall in New Jersey, not The
City or Long Island!

8. Long Island’s Response to Sandy
• GOSR Improvement Projects (Residential, Commercial,
Infrastructure)
• ACOE Projects (FIMP, Jones Beach Restoration, Jones Inlet to
East Rockaway Inlet, Back Bay Study, etc.)
• Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan (“LINAP”)
• Protection of Critical Infrastructure
• House Raisings
• Drainage Improvement Projects (Road Raisings, System
Expansions, Cleanings, Backflow Prevention Devices, etc.)
• Expanded Bulkheading (Lineal Footage & Heights)
• Increased Standby Power Generation Capability
• Elevation of Critical Equipment
• Parks Improvement Projects
• Reassessment of Impacted Properties

9. Long Island Resiliency / Protection Work –
Post Sandy ~ 5 Years
• Piecemeal (Rather than Regional) Approach to Protection and
Resiliency (Prescription for a Diminished Tax Base)
• Beach Dune / Groin Erection Projects <50% Complete (Some
Areas Not Planned for Protection!)
• <10% of Homes in Flood Zones Raised (>90% Potential for
Zombie Homes)
• Greatest Successes – Bay Park WPCP, Long Beach Boardwalk &
Freeport Resiliency Projects (a Tribute to Leadership, Expertise
and Commitment!)
• Greatest Vulnerability – Property Access, Ocean / Bay Inlets
(Holes in the “Unfinished” Proverbial Dike), Political Resolve and
Funding

10. “Is Long Island Ready for Sandy 2?”
“Not now, not after projects under construction are
completed, nor after those that are being designed, are
under study, or even being planned! We have much more
work to do!”