New York City to Receive $26.85 Million to Manage Stormwater and Reduce Flooding
New York City will receive $26.85 million from the state to manage stormwater, cut down on pollution, and reduce flooding during heavy rains, officials announced on Wednesday in The Bronx. This breakthrough comes after reporting by THE CITY revealed that less than 2% of the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act program funds had been allocated to projects in the five boroughs, despite the city being home to more than 40% of the state’s population.
A Major Victory
The new city projects, led by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), will be backed by the state’s $60 million Green Resiliency Grant Program, partly funded by bond funds. DEP Commissioner Rohit Aggarwala stated, "This kind of money, any kind of money, is really important to us. New Yorkers voted for this Bond Act in droves, and we are really excited to see that we are beginning to see the first fruits of this Bond Act come to New York City."
Bond Act History and Funding
The Bond Act, approved by voters in 2022, allows the state to borrow $4.2 billion to pay for sustainability and resiliency projects, such as water systems, green buildings, coastal protections, and electric school buses. As of early September, New York City had received just $6 million of the $313 million allocated.
New York City’s Funding Award
The state’s $60 million Green Resiliency Grant Program has distributed about 11% of the full $4.2 billion Bond Act funding, totaling just under half a billion dollars. New York City has received about 7% of the total funding for wastewater equipment upgrades and electric school buses, among other projects.
State’s Funding Formulas
New York City’s funding award was attributed to beating the competition from other municipalities, rather than any special considerations for its size. State officials are working with the city to ensure proposed projects align with state goals, including emphasizing "disadvantaged communities" that must receive at least a third of state environmental spending.
Project Details
The grant funding will support three projects:
- Tibbetts Brook: An ambitious, $133 million project to unearth and reroute the subterranean waterway above ground, reducing raw sewage entering the Harlem River during heavy rains.
- Central Park Stormwater Management: A system for managing stormwater in bodies of water in northern Central Park.
- Jefferson Houses: A project to capture excess water during sudden, heavy downpours at a public housing complex in East Harlem.
Conclusion
The state’s turnaround comes after THE CITY’s reporting prompted local officials to press the state to step up funding for New York City’s environmental projects. This $26.85 million grant marks a significant step in the right direction, with the potential to significantly reduce flooding and pollution in the city.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the Bond Act?
A: The Bond Act allows the state to borrow $4.2 billion to pay for sustainability and resiliency projects, such as water systems, green buildings, coastal protections, and electric school buses.
Q: How much has New York City received from the Bond Act funding?
A: As of early September, New York City had received just $6 million of the $313 million allocated.
Q: What are the three projects funded by the new grant?
A: The projects include unearthing and rerouting the Tibbetts Brook, managing stormwater in Central Park, and capturing excess water at the Jefferson Houses.
