Crews using bulldozers are in the process of building a...

Crews using bulldozers are in the process of building a sand jetty at the eastern end of Smith Point County Park on Friday, Feb. 19, 2016. Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan

New dunes and berms have been completed at Smith Point County Park on Fire Island, one of the first sections of the federal flood-protection barrier to be finished, officials said Wednesday.

“After more than 50 years of planning and praying, beach renourishment at Smith Point County Park ... is completed,” Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a statement.

Dune-building on Fire Island — part of a sweeping Superstorm Sandy recovery effort — is about two years behind schedule due to harsh weather, overbooked dredgers and the complex process of obtaining land from homeowners.

No dunes can be built in the Fire Island National Seashore, which runs about two-thirds the length of the 32-mile island.

Dunes in front of Kismet, Seabay Beach and Saltaire have been completed, officials said earlier this month.

Work is underway on dunes by the lighthouse and Robert Moses Park.

Staying safe around pools ... Push to revamp mansion tax ... LI Works: Selling seafood Credit: Newsday

Updated 48 minutes ago What's in NUMC's future? ... Staying safe around pools ... Push to revamp mansion tax ... LI Works: Selling seafood

Staying safe around pools ... Push to revamp mansion tax ... LI Works: Selling seafood Credit: Newsday

Updated 48 minutes ago What's in NUMC's future? ... Staying safe around pools ... Push to revamp mansion tax ... LI Works: Selling seafood

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