City Commences $69 Million Upgrade of Sewer and Water Infrastructure in Springfield Gardens
The New York City Departments of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Transportation (DOT) broke ground on the fourth phase of a comprehensive water and sewer infrastructure upgrade project that will help alleviate chronic roadway flooding in Springfield Gardens, Queens. The $69 million project includes the installation of 84 catch basins, approximately 2.8 miles of new sewer lines, nearly 3 miles of water mains and new streets and sidewalks.
The project, which will be managed by the City’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC), will also include the creation of a Bluebelt, a wetland that both stores and treats stormwater runoff. Using green infrastructure principles, stormwater will be collected in the newly installed catch basins and discharged into wetlands where the water will be naturally filtered. This project is the fourth phase of a comprehensive $175 million upgrade of the sewer and water infrastructure in Springfield Gardens and is expected to be completed in 2014.
Said NYCEDC President Seth Pinsky:
“Today’s announcement is another example of how the City is investing in green infrastructure projects across the five boroughs. This $69 million infrastructure upgrade will not only alleviate flooding that has affected the area for years, but will also improve the water quality in nearby Jamaica Bay, while providing improved sidewalks and open space for the residents of Springfield Gardens for years to come.”
Find out more on NYC.gov.
Photo credit: NYC DEP
