The city will get $220 million in stimulus funds for water infrastructure improvements, including equipment upgrades to save money and improve quality at wastewater treatment facilities in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx, officials announced today.
The money will also be used to reduce flooding from heavy rains, including Cambria Heights and Far Rockaway in Queens.
“These projects will provide a bounty to New York City by saving money through increased energy efficiency, protecting our waterways through improved wastewater treatment, reducing flooding after heavy rains and restoring precious wetlands,” said Gov. Paterson.
The state’s Environmental Facilities Corporation will administer the grant, which includes 189 million for conventional clean water projects and $30.6 million for projects that incorporate “green” technologies.
Mayor Bloomberg said the money would “bolster our aggressive programs and help us improve water quality in our rivers and bays, and reduce flooding in areas that have long suffered from storm water flooding — particularly in Southeast Queens.”