Red Hook Container Terminal to receive $1.6 million in FEMA funding

More than two years after Superstorm Sandy, The Red Hook Container Terminal is on its way to recovery.

The space, severely damaged by the October, 2012 storm, will receive $1.6 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding for repairs, announced U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressmember Nydia Velázquez on Tuesday, February 10.

“Superstorm Sandy damaged Red Hook Container Terminal, a major shipping port here in New York that is so important to our local economy,” Schumer said. “I am pleased that FEMA is providing the reimbursement for these much-needed repairs to the container terminal.”

The facility, located at 70 Hamilton Avenue, handles container ships and bulk cargo and, at one point in time, provided more than 700 jobs. Everything from road salt, steel and lumber to yachts, cars and even fruit has come into the port.

In wake of the storm, electrical systems, power transformers and more need to be repaired and replaced.

“The Red Hook Container Terminal suffered damage caused by Superstorm Sandy when this vital shipping port was flooded,” said Gillibrand. “This is an important federal reimbursement that will ensure the cost to repair and replace equipment won’t be left on the backs of New York families.”

Velázquez agreed.

“Red Hook’s role as a major shipping location is critical to Brooklyn’s and our entire city’s economy,” she said. “I’m pleased to see these federal resources dedicated to repairing this installation and ensuring it fully recovers from Hurricane Sandy.”

Michael Stamatis, president of the Red Hook Container Terminal, told this paper that, while he was appreciative of any and all funding granted to the port, he could not comment on the FEMA funding at this time.

Councilmember Carlos Menchaca, representative for Red Hook, could not be reached for comment by press time.