Jamaica Bay’s Wildlife Reserve Wins $400,000 Grant For Revitalization

Rockaway Beach Assemblyman Phillip Goldfeder announced last week that a project to restore and maintain Jamaica Bay’s wildlife reserve, a sprawling 18,000-acre wetland estuary, has won a $400,000 from the Regional Economic Development Council for habitat restoration.

The project, Jamaica Bay Habitat Restoration and Waterfront Revitalization, will not only be used to protect wildlife but also to protect the coast from future hurricanes. Goldfeder explained this plan to The Forum,

“Jamaica Bay has been a longtime community gem, but its breathtaking views and grassy marsh also serve a significant purpose — storm protection,” Goldfeder said in a prepared statement. “Jamaica Bay contains natural barriers that have proven to be more effective than any man-made sea wall or levee. This funding toward Jamaica Bay will not only help attract visitors and increase economic development, but it will enable our community to become more resilient against potential future storms.”

The grant will be administered by the city Parks Department along with the city Department of Environmental Protection.