Governor Kathy Hochul and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand recently announced a $405 million grant to enhance the electrical transmission and distribution system across Long Island and the Rockaways. This funding, administered through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMPG), will support critical upgrades and replacements to the Long Island Power Authority’s (LIPA) electrical infrastructure, aimed at mitigating the impacts of future extreme weather events.
FEMA’s hazard mitigation assistance provides funding to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from future disasters. By investing in mitigation planning, the cycle of disaster damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage is broken, implementing solutions that safeguard against future events.
Key components of the project include replacing approximately 11,000 utility poles with stronger, more resilient poles capable of withstanding hurricane-force winds of up to 135 miles per hour; upgrading 1,281 miles of primary wire to more durable and resilient alternatives; replacing 29,000 utility crossarms with shorter, synthetic versions to prevent damage from falling tree limbs and which can last 30 years; and adding approximately 100 more electrical line workers who will help restore power during major weather events.
In total, the project will take five years to be completed.
“We’re investing in a reliable, resilient clean energy grid that can withstand the impacts of extreme weather events,” Hochul said. “Thanks to the Biden administration and our partners in Congress, this funding will make crucial upgrades to improve our electrical grid and help keep the lights on for New Yorkers.”
Gillibrand added, “As extreme weather events become more common across New York and the country, we must work to ensure that our electrical infrastructure is reliable and equipped to mitigate hazards. Only a few years ago, we saw the devastating impacts Tropical Storm Isaias had on the Long Island electrical grid, which left over half a million Long Islanders without power. This $405 million in federal funding will bring critical upgrades and replacements to LIPA’s electrical grid and help mitigate the impacts of future extreme weather events. I am proud to deliver this funding and will continue to fight to increase the reliability and resiliency of electrical infrastructure across New York State.”
Long Island Federation of Labor AFL-CIO President John R. Durso said, “Long Island is an island in the Atlantic Ocean on the front lines of climate change. This federal funding is significant for Long Island. Enhancing our electric grid’s reliability and
resiliency is vital to delivering stable power and good-paying union jobs for a better and brighter future. We would also like to thank Governor Hochul, Majority Leader [Chuck] Schumer, and Senator Gillibrand for their leadership and support in securing these funds.”
“This important funding is vital to the continued strengthening of Long Island’s electrical infrastructure, making it more robust against extreme weather we are experiencing,” IBEW 1049 Business Manager Pat Guidice said. “In addition, this will create more jobs for trained professionals so vital for the operation of the Grid while boosting our local economy. IBEW Local 1049 is proud to contribute with skilled union labor, ensuring the work is done safely and efficiently. We thank our leaders for securing this vital
investment.”
“Our customers want and deserve reliable and resilient electric service,” said LIPA Acting Chief Executive Officer John Rhodes. “This additional funding will significantly bolster our ongoing efforts to build a stronger power grid and allow us to be better equipped to handle future weather challenges. We thank FEMA, along with all our partners in the federal government, for their continued support.”
LIPA Board of Trustees Chair Tracey Edwards added, “The LIPA Board of Trustees is dedicated to delivering clean, reliable, and affordable energy while ensuring the lowest long-term costs for our customers. This substantial federal funding will empower us to undertake essential upgrades to our electrical grid, enhancing its resilience and reliability. We are grateful for FEMA’s support and commend the dedicated LIPA staff for their commitment and work in driving this project forward.”