Yaphank, New York -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Jan. 25 the award of a Hurricane Sandy debris removal contract worth $8.8 million to DS3 Enterprises Inc. of Central Islip, N.Y.
Under terms of the contract, DS3 Enterprises Inc. will be tasked to remove debris from right-of-way and from eligible private property, transport it off the island, and dispose of it in a safe and environmentally sound manner. An estimated 2,200 homes sustained some form of damage from Hurricane Sandy, which impacted the area in October.
"The debris removal mission will help citizens with their recovery efforts," said Lt. Col. John Knight, New York Recovery Field Office commander. "It brings us another step closer toward completing the goal of assisting the greater Suffolk County area in dealing with the effects of this devastating storm."
As part of the response and recovery efforts for New York, FEMA tasked the Corps of Engineers to provide assistance with the debris challenges on Fire Island. In addition to removing the debris, DS3 Enterprises Inc. will be tasked with separation and disposal of construction and demolition debris (including white goods and e-waste); disposal of vegetative debris; and sifting eligible sand.
The contract is considered a small business disaster area "set aside." This is part of the Federal government's efforts to ensure qualified small businesses in the disaster area are given opportunities to obtain business from agencies executing missions.
"By awarding contracts to area businesses, affected local economies can begin their road to recovery as well," said Knight.
All work is scheduled to be completed by the end of March.