Congressman Jerrold Nadler Secures Authorization Of $60 Million For Manhattan to Improve Climate Resiliency Efforts, Measures Mandating Comprehensive Flood Protection Plan in[...]

Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-12) today secured the authorization of $60 Million for environmental infrastructure improvements for Manhattan and authorization of measures mandating a comprehensive flood protection plan for the New York-New Jersey Harbor following the House of Representatives passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024.

The 'Water Resources Development Act' of 2024 includes a request from Congressman Nadler and Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) to dedicate $60 million for Manhattan for environmental infrastructure improvements.

Additionally, Congressman Nadler successfully secured language in the bill that mandates the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) include in their New York-New Jersey Harbor and Tributaries Focus Area Feasibility Study (HATS) plans that addresses the variety of flooding threats facing New York City including tidal and river flooding, heavy rainfall, groundwater emergence, erosion, and sea level rise. The bill also specifies that USACE must include in their plan, recommendations relating to projects and activities that maximize the net ecological and societal benefits to neighboring communities.

Following initial passage in the House of Representatives in July of 2024, this legislation was amended and subsequently passed by the Senate in August of 2024, including all of Congressman Nadler's requests. The updated 'Water Resources Development Act' of 2024 now heads back to the Senate for one last vote, before it goes to President Biden's desk for his signature to become law.

"I am proud to have worked to secure the authorization of $60 million in environmental infrastructure improvements for Manhattan and language ensuring a comprehensive flood protection plan for the New York-New Jersey Harbor," said Congressman Nadler. "12 years after the devastation of Superstorm Sandy, New York City continues to face growing risk from the climate crisis. That's why I have pushed hard to secure critical funding and provisions to to safeguard our communities and strengthen their resilience to future climate challenges. As Dean of the New York Congressional Delegation, I'll continue advocating for improved water infrastructure and management to address future flooding in Manhattan and throughout New York City."

"As extreme weather events continue to threaten the stability and safety of coastal communities, it remains the federal government's moral imperative to ensure our communities' protection," said Congressman Goldman. "I am incredibly proud to have secured critical wins for our communities in this latest WRDA legislation, which will improve water management infrastructure in New York and Brooklyn and ensure that New Yorkers are protected from the multitude of flooding hazards that threaten our city. Now that the House of Representatives has passed these measures, I look forward to Senate passage and President Biden fulfilling his obligation to sign WRDA into law."

WRDA gives the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers the authority to carry out water development projects and studies, among other things. Allowing the Army Corps of Engineers to spend the money is the first step in the process. If signed into law, Congress would still need to provide funding for the Corps to carry out the environmental infrastructure projects in the upcoming appropriations process.

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