Congressman Dan Goldman Secures Authorization of $160 Million for New York City to Improve Climate Resiliency Efforts, Measures Mandating Comprehensive Flood Protection Plan

 

 

Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) today secured the authorization of $160 million forenvironmental infrastructure improvements and authorization of measures mandating a comprehensive flood protection plan for the New York-New Jersey Harbor following the House of Representatives passage of the bipartisan ‘Water Resources Development Act’ (WRDA) of 2024.

 

The ‘Water Resources Development Act’ of 2024 includes a request from Congressman Goldman, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), and Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) to authorize $100 million for Kings County to improve water and wastewater management, including stormwater management such as combined sewer overflows.  This legislation also includes a request from Congressman Goldman and Congressman Jerry Nadler (NY-12) to authorize $60 million for New York County for the same purposes.

 

Additionally, Congressman Goldman successfully secured language in the bill that mandates the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) include in their New York-New Jersey Harbor and Tributaries Focus Area Feasibility Study (HATS) plans that address the variety of flooding threats facing New York City including tidal and river flooding, heavy rainfall, groundwater emergence, erosion, and sea level rise. The bill also specifies that USACE must include in their plan, recommendations relating to projects and activities that maximize the net ecological and societal benefits to neighboring communities.

 

The updated ‘Water Resources Development Act’ of 2024 now heads back to the Senate for one last vote, before it goes to President Biden’s desk for his signature to become law.

 

“As extreme weather events continue to threaten the stability and safety of coastal communities, it remains the federal government's moral imperative to ensure our communities' protection,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “I am incredibly proud to have secured critical wins for our communities in this latest WRDA legislation, which will improve water management infrastructure in New York and Brooklyn and ensure that New Yorkers are protected from the multitude of flooding hazards that threaten our city. Now that the House of Representatives has passed these measures, I look forward to Senate passage and President Biden fulfilling his obligation to sign WRDA into law.”

 

Congressman Jerry Nadler said, “I am proud to have worked to secure the authorization of $60 million in environmental infrastructure improvements for Manhattan and language ensuring a comprehensive flood protection plan for the New York-New Jersey Harbor. 12 years after the devastation of Superstorm Sandy, New York City continues to face growing risk from the climate crisis. That's why I have pushed hard to secure critical funding and provisions to safeguard our communities and strengthen their resilience to future climate challenges. As Dean of the New York Congressional Delegation, I’ll continue advocating for improved water infrastructure and management to address future flooding in Manhattan and throughout New York City.”

 

Lauren Cosgrove, Northeast Campaign Director for National Parks Conservation Association said, “Thanks to the leadership of Representatives Goldman and Velazquez, and a bipartisan group of NY and NJ Members, the Army Corps will now be required to address all types of climate-induced flooding and prioritize cost-effective solutions for a stronger, more resilient New York City. These improvements from the New York New Jersey Harbor and Tributaries study will ensure our national parks like Gateway and surrounding communities near the Gowanus Canal, Newtown Creek and Flushing Bay are better prepared to deal with record floods and more frequent and severe storms that have shuttered public transportation and trapped people in basement apartments here. The Water Resource Development Act will protect NYC and Jamaica Bay’s treasured coast that connects urban residents with trails, scenic views, public beaches, and wildlife experiences they can’t get anywhere else in the City.”

 

WRDA gives the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers the authority to carry out water development projects and studies, among other things. Allowing the Army Corps of Engineers to spend the money is the first step in the process. If signed into law, Congress would still need to provide funding for the Corps to carry out the environmental infrastructure projects in the upcoming appropriations process.

 

Congressman Dan Goldman has worked throughout his first term to ensure that New Yorkers are protected from all flooding threats and extreme weather events.

 

Last year, Congressman Goldman and Congresswoman Velázquez led twelve Members of Congress from New York and New Jersey in sending a bi-partisan letter to the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) expressing concern that the Corps plan to address flood risk insufficiently protects their communities and demanding a new study be undertaken that comprehensively addresses all flooding risks.