Sen. Charles Schumer announced Monday that the Army Corps of Engineers will work hand-in-hand with the city Department of Parks and Recreation and private contractors on projects, including rebuilding dunes and barriers along the shores of Staten Island from the damage of Hurricane Sandy.

At a press conference in South Beach, Schumer said construction can begin soon because the city will be hiring private contractors for the work and is being reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

"It's full speed ahead. If the contracts can be let in April, the work can start immediately, just about immediately there after."

"From what I saw, with the amount of water that was up this far from the beach, and the containers that were up there, it definitely needs to be rebuilt," said Rudolph Tota, a resident of South Beach.

The Army Corps will help determine how to rebuild each specific area, and provide technical assistance to the Parks Department and private contractors.