DELAURO BRINGS ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS TO 3RD DISTRICT

Toured shoreline, identified recovery and restoration projects

New Haven, CT — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) and the Army Corps of Engineers toured the shoreline towns of the 3rd District, which were heavily impacted by Tropical Storm Irene, today. DeLauro was joined on the tour by Senator Richard Blumenthal, Commander and District Engineer of the Army Corps of Engineers Col. Charles Samaris, and local mayors and engineers.

The Army Corps of Engineers’ role in disaster recovery focuses on infrastructure restoration, and specifically on repairing roads and bridges and replenishing sand on beaches. In Connecticut, much of the damage was along the shore where beaches were severely eroded, leaving communities vulnerable to future storms. The Army Corps of Engineers will help local engineers assess the damage and determine the best course of action to help Connecticut’s communities recover and rebuild.

“I am very pleased to welcome the Army Corps of Engineers to the 3rd District, as their expertise in repairing shorelines is a critical part of Connecticut’s recovery from Tropical Storm Irene. The storm caused significant damage to our local infrastructure and removed large amounts of sand, a natural barrier, from our beaches. As our recovery efforts continue, it is vital that our roads and bridges are repaired, but also that we are prepared for any future storms,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “I look forward to the Army Corps’ work, and to our communities continuing to rebuild and recover.”

"Leading the charge in rebuilding and recovery - and preventing future destruction - the Army Corps is a vital partner to Connecticut's shoreline communities. We're seeing first hand today the path ahead for sea wall and breakwater construction that will help secure our shorelines against future storms,” said Senator Blumenthal. “I'm grateful to Congresswoman DeLauro for her leadership on this issue. I will continue to fight and will vote today for continued FEMA resources that Connecticut communities, homeowners, small businesses and farmers need and deserve."