The New Normal: Combatting Extreme Weather in NYC
This article is written by DEP Commissioner Vincent Sapienza
Hurricane Ida brought record setting amounts of rain never before seen in our city. I want to express our condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives during the storm. For so many who experienced damage and losses to their homes and businesses, we know that recovery is not easy, and we at DEP commit our continued support. Much of our infrastructure was designed and constructed decades ago, for what is clearly a different climate reality. Now, we are being faced with a new normal.
Yesterday, Mayor Bill de Blasio released a landmark report aptly titled “The New Normal: Combatting Storm Related Extreme Weather in New York City.” This report serves as a new blueprint to prepare for and respond to extreme weather. The report was delivered to the mayor by the Extreme Weather Response Task Force, a top-level convening of senior leaders across City agencies, along with outside experts on climate change and resiliency, directed to compile a new set of protocols and policies to protect New Yorkers from future storms like Hurricane Ida.
The mayor announced plans to support the report’s recommendations with $2.1 billion in new funding for DEP, as well as $238 million in accelerated funding for crucial DEP projects. Another $400 million in new funding has been earmarked for other priority capital projects among key agencies including the Parks Department, Department of Transportation, NYCHA, and the School Construction Authority, and $25 million in expense funding for Fiscal Year 2022.
Additionally, the mayor announced the creation of New York City’s first “Rainboots on the Ground” program — the city’s first-ever program to dis- tribute educational information on evacuation procedures to basement apartment residents and vulnerable neighborhoods. The mayor also announced the creation of a new Extreme Weather Coordinator position in City Hall. The position will work closely with New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) and other agencies to lead and organize extreme weather response.
As extreme weather events become more frequent due to climate change, we need to continue making improvements to the City’s drainage infrastructure. As DEP continues to expand and update our infrastructure, we must supplement those efforts by expanding our nation-leading green infrastructure program, refining our maintenance schedules and mandating private properties capture their share of stormwater. DEP stands ready to take all necessary actions to protect our city from the dangers of climate change.
