DELAURO CALLS FOR ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS ASSISTANCE

Needed for help with debris cleanup, repairing severe beach erosion, preparing for future storms

New Haven, CT — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) called upon the Army Corps of Engineers to tour the 3rd Congressional District areas impacted by Tropical Storm Irene and to assist in the recovery efforts. The Army Corps of Engineers provides assistance to areas impacted by disasters. Connecticut's shoreline was heavily impacted by the storm, and the Army Corps's assistance is needed to address resulting debris and beach erosion.

"As the power and other basic services are being restored to the residents of Connecticut, we now turn our attention to clearing debris, surveying the damage and continuing the recovery effort," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "I would also like to begin the process of preparing for the next significant storm and am concerned that the erosion of beaches in Connecticut has stripped some locations of their natural barrier to such storms."

The text of the letter is below.

September 2, 2011

Colonel Charles P. Samaris Commander and District Engineer U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District 696 Virginia Road Concord, MA 01742

Dear Colonel Samaris:

As you are aware, the recovery from the devastation that was left in the path of Hurricane Irene after over 8 inches of rain in parts of Western Connecticut and 3 to 5 feet of storm surge during high tide will be lengthy and costly. As the power and other basic services are being restored to the residents of Connecticut, we now turn our attention to clearing debris, surveying the damage and preparing the recovery effort. I would also like to begin the process of preparing for the next significant storm and am concerned that the erosion of beaches in Connecticut has stripped some locations of their natural barrier to such storms.

I have seen firsthand and heard from countless local officials and constituents about the damage that has been done to our waterfront, to the homes and residents along that waterfront and our electrical infrastructure. Debris from the storm now covers most of the beaches from Stratford to Guilford and some beaches and many seawalls no longer exist. The sand in front of the well renowned Chick's in West Haven is gone. It is in locations such as these that we need to replenish and restore the beaches to their pre-Irene conditions, and consider other precautions for their protection. In the near future, I expect FEMA and state and local officials will formally request Army Corps assistance with damage assessments, which has already been done in the other states affected by Hurricane Irene.

Additionally, I invite you to join me on a tour of the beaches in my District to survey the damage from Hurricane Irene. Once you have seen the damage, I'm sure you'll agree that Connecticut is in need of disaster assistance from the ACOE to remove the debris left behind and replenish the sand missing on our beaches. The Flood Control and Coastal Emergency Act, gives ACOE the authority to transfer the funds necessary for disaster recovery from other ACOE accounts. As you have done with previous natural disasters of this level, prompt fund transfers to the Flood and Costal Emergencies Account are necessary to begin the recovery process before a supplemental appropriation bill is passed.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

ROSA L. DELAURO Member of Congress