The Borough of Crescent Beach will receive $1.065 million in federal funding to restore the bluff walkway, which was damaged by Hurricane Sandy, according to an announcement by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“Significant Historical Value”

Leeanne Engels, a member of the Board of Governors of the Crescent Beach Association, said, “The walkway over Cruttenden’s Bluff at Crescent Beach has significant historical value to our community and to the town of East Lyme. It has provided sweeping views of Long Island Sound and the Niantic Bay dating back to the late 1800s. We are tremendously grateful for the support we have received from FEMA, Senators Murphy and Blumenthal, and Congressman Courtney, and are thrilled that this grant will allow us the opportunity to restore the walkway for future generations to enjoy. Once complete, when combined with the Niantic Bay Boardwalk, it will offer one of the longest public beachside walkways in the Northeast.”

‘Strength and Resolve Carry Us Forward’

“East Lyme was hard-hit by Hurricane Sandy and the recovery process is ongoing for many Connecticut residents, but our state’s strength and resolve has carried us forward,” said Chris Murphy, Richard Blumenthal, and Joe Courtney. “It’s been nearly two years since this process began, and we’re thankful that FEMA has finally responded to our efforts and allocated funds so that the renovation process of East Lyme’s iconic walkway can begin. We, along with the entire Connecticut delegation, have worked so hard to bring more and more funding back home to help communities recover from Superstorm Sandy, and we will continue to do so until Connecticut residents see every last dollar to which they are entitled.”