In recognition of Earth Week, New York City Mayor Eric Adams declared the successful completion of a pivotal $42.3 million infrastructure project. This substantial investment aims to mitigate flood risks in Brooklyn's East Flatbush and Canarsie neighborhoods by introducing nearly 1,200 new assets designed to tackle stormwater. With details obtained from the official announcement, the project features 906 infiltration basins and 291 rain gardens, projected to capture about 122.5 million gallons of stormwater per year.
Mayor Adams emphasized the significance of safeguarding the public against flood threats. He said, "Protecting New Yorkers from the clear and present danger to life and property that flooding poses is critical to keeping New Yorkers safe on Earth Day and every day," according to a statement from the Mayor's Office. The Deputy Mayor for Operations, Jeff Roth, underscored the importance of these seemingly modest infrastructures like rain gardens and infiltration basins that collectively hold back tens of millions of gallons of rainwater, thus sparing properties and lives.
These green initiatives not only control flooding but also contribute to the environment and community health. New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala told the publication that every storm serves as a harsh reminder of the pressing climate challenges facing New York City, and green infrastructure like this can be rapidly deployed with minimal construction disturbances. Additionally, the initiative includes planting 223 trees to cool some of the hottest areas and improve air quality.
The New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Thomas Foley also highlighted the dual nature of the project—combating climate effects while enhancing the neighborhood's aesthetic. The installation of the rain gardens and infiltration basins intends to blend in with surrounding conditions, providing both functionality and visual appeal to local residents. Meanwhile, New York City Economic Development Corporation President & CEO Andrew Kimball touched on the broader significance of resilient infrastructure, claiming it as a crucial investment for a safer city.
In light of recent events, the Adams administration has already laid the groundwork for massive stormwater infrastructure improvements across the city. They have earmarked $12.3 billion through the city's Ten Year Capital Plan, covering a variety of strategies from traditional sewer enhancements to modern green solutions. Last fall, Mayor Adams highlighted several major public safety projects, including significant sewer upgrades, the installation of the 200th flood sensor, and the inaugural Cloudburst project designed to reduce strain on the sewer system massively.
