Governor Andrew M. Cuomo yesterday announced more than $2 million in state grants to implement projects that will better protect communities along the Hudson River estuary from future flooding, storm surges, and rising sea levels. These climate adaptation initiatives are funded by the Environmental Protection Fund and are expected to be complete by the end of the year.
“ Extreme weather has hit nearly every corner of this state during the last few years, and communities along the Hudson River have sustained more than their share of damage ,” Governor Cuomo said. “ This administration is committed to building New York back better and these infrastructure upgrades and coastal protection plans will help protect residents and businesses during the next severe storm.”
The projects, located in coastal and watershed communities, will stabilize shorelines and streams to reduce storm and flood damage to culverts, roads and bridges. The projects are also designed to maintain environmental sustainability and protect water quality and habitat.
The Hudson River Climate Resiliency Project is a partnership among the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Hudson River Estuary Program, the Cornell University New York State Water Resources Institute, Cornell University Department of Natural Resources, and the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission.
As part of Governor Cuomo’s strategy to enhance state and community preparedness for extreme weather, these projects will advance the Hudson River Estuary Program’s goal to reduce flood-hazard risks, enhance flood resiliency and protect important economic and environmental assets.