It has been 11 years since Hurricane Sandy fiercely hit the Big Apple, leaving 44 people dead and more than $19 billion dollars in damage and economic loss, and in the face of the constant threats that exist due to climate change, New York authorities They delivered new infrastructure works this Monday with which they seek to prevent possible rainwater flooding in counties such as Staten Island.
This was revealed this Monday by the mayor of New York, Eric Adams, after announcing the completion of a $110 million project in the New Creek blue belt, to protect Mid-Island, in Staten Island, while seeking to strengthen the communities against any type of extreme climate catastrophes. Work was advanced not only on drainage of Staten Island but also on the creation and preservation of open green areas that will protect the residents of that part of the city and wildlife.
“The need for large investments in flood infrastructure has only grown as climate change continues to create stronger storms and extreme weather events,” said the local president, emphasizing that the city will not again be left unprepared. . “Too often, our concrete jungle leaves no room for rain to leave, leaving communities facing devastating floods without the necessary infrastructure. But with this $110 million expansion of the New Creek Bluebelt, Staten Island is more prepared than ever.”
Vito J. Fossella, president of Staten Island, called the end of the New Creek blue belt work, which includes 94 acres and drains an area of 2,249 acres, as great news for his county.
“As someone who grew up in South Beach, just a few miles away, I learned early in life about the negative effects of flooding. “This new blue belt will help redirect stormwater away from homes and neighborhoods and toward natural drainage corridors like streams and ponds and, ultimately, out to sea,” the Republican politician said.
The Staten Island leader added that as part of a larger project, they have started a partnership with nearby schools to learn about the blue belt and name the ponds.
“The Blue Belt is one of the most successful engineering projects in our county’s history. That is why we strongly support the continued expansion of the blue belt wherever it can help protect homes and residents from flooding, just as it has done across the south coast,” Fosella warned.
Rohit T. Aggarwala, New York City’s climate director and commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), explained that so-called blue belts are a key strategy to manage stormwater throughout the city, making New York more resilient to climate change.
“These innovative drainage systems redesign existing wetlands to protect communities from inland flooding, while providing beautiful open spaces for residents and wildlife,” the official commented. “As we look for natural solutions to strengthen neighborhoods against extreme weather, we need to look no further than the successful development and implementation of the blue belt program right here on Staten Island.”
The City Administration said the New Creek expansion consists of three connected projects, which will divert stormwater from roads, roofs and sidewalks in parts of Staten Island’s Midland Beach, Grant City, Dongan Hills and Todt Hill neighborhoods. , will drain into new ponds and storm sewers and go to the New Creek Blue Belt, from where it will head toward lower New York Bay while filtering naturally along the way.
Emily Nobel Maxwell, director of The New York Cities Nature Conservancy, stressed that recent episodes of extreme rainfall and flooding are a stark reminder to New Yorkers of the urgent need to adapt the city to the growing impacts of climate change. “The expanded New Creek Blue Belt is a great example of the type of infrastructure we need to meet the moment and be better prepared for the future,” the climate leader said.
Cortney Worrall, president and CEO of the Waterfront Alliance, applauded the completion of a new infrastructure project that will serve as a protective shield against severe weather events on Staten Island.
“As climate change continues to bring heavy rainfall, often unexpectedly, blue belts are a proven way to use nature to help lessen the impacts of climate change and, in this case, manage stormwater,” Worrall said. “Nature-based solutions like these will make communities and residents less vulnerable to the impacts associated with the climate crisis.”