NEW YORK, NY — On the 11th anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, Mayor Eric Adams today announced the completion of a $110 million project aimed at protecting Staten Island’s Mid-Island region from flooding and extreme weather events worsened by climate change. The project significantly expands the New Creek Bluebelt, a natural drainage system covering 94 acres that now drains a 2,249-acre watershed area.
The expansion consists of three interconnected projects constructed in separate phases. Stormwater from Midland Beach, Grant City, Dongan Hills, and Todt Hill will now drain into new catch basins and storm sewers, eventually being discharged into the New Creek Bluebelt. This water will be naturally filtered as it moves toward the lower New York Bay.
Mayor Adams emphasized the project’s significance in his statement. “Eleven years after Superstorm Sandy stole 44 of our neighbors, the need for major investments in flooding infrastructure has only grown. Staten Island is more prepared than ever with this $110 million expansion of the New Creek Bluebelt,” he said.
Deputy Mayor of Operations Meera Joshi, New York City Chief Climate Officer and Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala, and New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez also hailed the project as a landmark in the city’s broader strategy for flood protection and climate resilience.