Page 22 - The Indian EYE 090426

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline SEPTEMBER 04, 2026 | The Indian Eye 22

Mayor Mamdani, Governor Hochul Announce

$8.4 Million to Transform Concrete Medians

into Flood Prevention Infrastructure

Projects will help alleviate strain on sewer system and improve water quality of local waterways

OUR BUREAU
Queens, NY
ayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Gover-
nor Kathy Hochul and New York City
MDepartment of Environmental Protec-
tion (DEP) Commissioner Lisa F. Garcia have
announced an $8.4 million investment in flood
resiliency infrastructure, transforming concrete
roadway medians in Whitestone, Forest Hills and
Queens Village to green infrastructure “sponges”
that will absorb stormwater and prevent extreme
weather flooding. In total, the newly engineered
spaces in Queens are expected to capture an esti-
mated five million gallons of stormwater each year,
alleviating strain on the sewer system and improv-
ing the water quality of local waterways including
the East River, Flushing Bay and Jamaica Bay.
“Climate change is bringing more intense and
unpredictable bursts of rain, and without action,
those storms will continue to overwhelm New York
City’s sewer system,” said Mayor Mamdani. “This
$8.4 million green median project meets that chal-
lenge with infrastructure that works for our envi-
ronment and our neighborhoods. By planting na- reimagining what our streets can be,” said DEP mizing costs for ratepayers.”
tive species and wildflowers above an underground Commissioner Lisa F. Garcia. “These expansive Work will remove the old concrete medians
stormwater storage network, we will capture five medians will become vibrant green corridors that and curbs and clear overgrown or dead trees,
million gallons of stormwater each year, easing soak up millions of gallons of stormwater each weeds and accumulated debris. To ensure water
pressure on our sewer system and keeping New year. This is how we transform everyday spaces flows into the medians, new inlet openings will be
Yorkers safe. We are grateful to Governor Hochul into innovative flooding solutions that both protect built to divert water off the streets and directly into
and our state partners for investing in resilient in- communities and beautify neighborhoods.” the planted areas. Construction includes installing
frastructure that protects New Yorkers while mak- “DEC is proud to partner with Mayor Mam- specially engineered soils and underground stor-
ing our city greener and more beautiful.” dani and our city and state partners on strategies to age systems designed to absorb stormwater.
“With flash floods becoming more the norm help reduce flooding and enhance communities in The landscaping will transform these spaces
due to extreme weather tied to our changing cli- Queens,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lef- into green corridors, planted with native species,
mate, it’s imperative we do all we can to protect ton. “Thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul’s record shrubs, grasses and wildflowers. Together, these
our communities,” said Governor Hochul. “Here state investments in green infrastructure and other improvements will cool and beautify the streets-
in New York, we are implementing innovative water quality improvements, DEC is able to help cape while providing stronger flood protection for
solutions to strengthen our infrastructure and bet- support initiatives led by the City and municipal- surrounding neighborhoods. The projects also de-
ter protect our communities. Working with Mayor ities statewide with resources they need to imple- liver landscape upgrades that enhance neighbor-
Mamdani and the City of New York, these criti- ment important stormwater management projects hood aesthetic, while improving pedestrian safety
cal green infrastructure projects will help make like these new green corridors that will greatly ben- with ADA-compliant ramps and detectable warn-
Whitestone, Forest Hills and Queens Village more efit Queens Village, Whitestone and Forest Hills.” ing surfaces.
resilient and safe.” “Governor Hochul is investing in solutions “Concrete medians help improve safety by
The projects are funded in part by New York State that are as practical as they are innovative. The making it easier for pedestrians to cross the street
grants totaling $5 million from the Green Innovation $5 million in grants for these Queens projects will and by better organizing traffic — but they can
Grant Program administered by the Environmental transform concrete medians into green ‘sponges’ also play an important role in protecting our city
Facilities Corp. and the Water Quality Improve- capable of soaking up millions of gallons of storm- from the dangers of extreme weather and flood-
ment Project overseen by the New York State De- water, reducing flood risk and protecting New ing,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn.
partment of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Yorkers,” said New York State Environmental Fa- “As New York City sees more and more intense
“Climate change is reshaping our world, and cilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen rainstorms due to climate change, now more than
we need to reshape the infrastructure of our city A. Coleman. “By supporting projects that work ever it’s crucial to improve and rethink our infra-
in return. By trading hard concrete for living land- with nature to manage severe weather, the State is structure to protect New Yorkers against growing
scapes, we are not just managing stormwater but helping New York City build resilience while mini- environmental threats.”

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