We are all stewards of our beach. All homeowners in Quogue consider our ocean beaches a precious natural resource, and all should have a say on any proposal that would alter our coastline.
The impact on Quogue’s oceanfront will not only affect a specific area (an est.1.3 miles of Quogue beach) as is proposed, but our entire 2.7 miles of oceanfront and our community as a whole. Continue reading Could Dredging Quogue’s Ocean Floor Harm Our Beachfront?
On February 4th, Dr. Robert S. Young, Director of the Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines, released the following report (click here), which provides a multi-faceted perspective on the proposed beach nourishment project for the Village of Quogue.
The perspective provided by Dr. Young is based on an evaluation of a report entitled “Shoreline Erosion Assessment and Plan for Beach Restoration Village of Quogue, New York,” which was prepared in July 2011 and has served as the basis for required permit applications to carry out the beachfill project.
In addition, the document contains comments and observations stemming from Dr. Young’s long experience of evaluating coastal engineering projects and assisting community partners with local project assessment.
This evaluation was prepared at the request of the Concerned Citizens of Quogue. We hope that this document can provide additional points for discussion as our community evaluates options for the future management and protection of the Village’s beaches.
To read the report in full, please click here.
As coastal communities across the nation weigh options for dealing with climate change, a rising sea and more frequent flood events, policy makers are coming around to the realization that a more holistic, longer-term view is not only necessary, but also more practical.
Buying out and moving flood threatened residents from harms way offers significant disaster recovery savings according to both FEMA and the Center for American Progress. Between 2011 and 2013 Congress spent $400 per household on relief and recovery after major disasters. The National Flood Insurance Program with a total $527 billion liability owes taxpayers $28 billion. The revenue from premiums brings in only $3.8 billion a year. The US coastal flood hazard area is expected to increase 50 percent due to global warming by 2100, thereby expanding the NFIP liability 130 percent to over a trillion dollars.
As sea levels rise over time, the coastal hazard areas will include airports, seaports, railroad yards, and cities. The expenditures for protective coastal hardened structures for these areas will dwarf what has already been experienced. Political pressure may jeopardize available funding for the recovery and relief of less populated flood hazard areas.
The expense of moving citizens and assets with buyouts usually pays off in 10 years by virtually eliminating future disaster recovery costs and taxpayer liability. Also, the natural habitat will flourish, natural storm barriers will offer greater protection, and the coastal environment will benefit.
If conservative climate change forecasts become a reality, the buyout solution may reduce capital expenditures for recovery and relief enough to make the potential tax payer burden affordable.
To read the full Center for American Progress report with details on buyout programs, please click here.
Concerned Citizens of Quogue 