November 26, 2019

Additional Photos are Available on DEP’s Flickr page

New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Vincent Sapienza on Monday joined with the Department of Design and Construction’s (DDC) Deputy Commissioner for Infrastructure Eric McFarlane and City Council Member Donovan Richards’ office to review progress on an $84 million infrastructure upgrade project in Brookville, Queens. The project includes the installation of 9-foot by 5-foot storm box sewers to help alleviate roadway flooding. Thus far, 147 of 201 sections of box sewer for this project have been installed. When completed, this large box sewer will form one of the major spines for Mayor de Blasio’s $1.9 billion buildout of the drainage system throughout southeast Queens. A more robust drainage system that alleviates flooding will improve the quality of life for residents and businesses and increase property values. The project, which is funded by DEP and managed by DDC, is anticipated to be completed in summer 2021.

DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to more than 9.6 million residents, including 8.6 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP has nearly 6,000 employees, including almost 1,000 in the upstate watershed. In addition, DEP has a robust capital program, with a planned $20.1 billion in investments over the next 10 years that will create up to 3,000 construction-related jobs per year. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor de Blasio’s long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $14 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.