Journal file photo/Bob Breidenbach
A dune that protected a parking lot at Misquamicut State Beach was swept away in Superstorm Sandy.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- U.S. Rep. James Langevin is vowing to help Misquamicut get federal help to rebuild its beach after Superstorm Sandy swept away dunes that protect the coastal community from tidal floods.
The Democrat told The Associated Press on Monday that he'll push to include funds for dune restoration when the House debates the next round of storm assistance next week.
Langevin says Westerly is seeking "several million" dollars in federal assistance for repairs following Sandy, which washed away Misquamicut's dunes and left the area vulnerable to flooding even as beachfront business owners seek to rebuild.
Langevin toured Misquamicut on Monday and says that while the community looks much better than it did following the October storm, much work remains to help the area recover before the tourist season begins.