Long Island Areas to Get Flood-Buffer Aid

Several areas on Long Island, N.Y., will get about $16 million in federal funding to buy storm-damaged properties and turn them into flood buffers.

Newsday says the funding includes $9.9 million for Amagansett, and $5.6 million for Mastic Beach and Shirley. Stony Brook will tentatively receive nearly $1 million.

The property owners will still retain some rights to the land. But no new construction will be allowed so that the land will remain in its natural state.

Sen. Charles Schumer says the flood plain restoration will reduce erosion and improve fish and wildlife habitats.