Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdan today 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 estimated five million gallons of stormwater each year, alleviating strain on the sewer system and improving the water quality of local waterways including the East River, Flushing Bay and Jamaica Bay.
“With flash floods becoming more the norm due to extreme weather tied to our changing climate, it’s imperative we do all we can to protect our communities,” Governor Hochul said. “Here in New York, we are implementing innovative solutions to strengthen our infrastructure and better protect our communities. Working with Mayor Mamdani and the City of New York, these critical green infrastructure projects will help make Whitestone, Forest Hills and Queens Village more resilient and safe.”
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani said, “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. This $8.4 million green median project meets that challenge with infrastructure that works for our environment and our neighborhoods. By planting native species and wildflowers above an underground stormwater storage network, we will capture five million gallons of stormwater each year, easing pressure on our sewer system and keeping New Yorkers safe. We are grateful to Governor Hochul and our state partners for investing in resilient infrastructure that protects New Yorkers while making our city greener and more beautiful.”…