The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced that construction has begun to install nearly three dozen new catch basins, as well as new storm sewers, through a $1.6 million project in the Willowbrook/Westerleigh section of Staten Island. Work began Aug. 23 and is anticipated to be completed by October.
“The new catch basins and storm sewers being installed in Willowbrook/Westerleigh will significantly increase the capacity of the community’s drainage network, which will, in turn, improve the quality of life for residents living there,” said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “I want to thank Councilman Carr for his advocacy and for funding this important infrastructure investment.”
As part of the project, 2,200 linear feet of new storm sewers will be added to the neighborhood to alleviate flooding. To better capture stormwater and direct it to the new drainage system, 31 new catch basins will be installed.
The upcoming installation of the new basins was prompted by a walk-through by Councilman Carr and Borough President Fossella of the Willowbrook/Westerleigh areas affected by flooding. Earlier this year, DEP and the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) began work on a $6.9 million drainage upgrade in a separate part of Westerleigh.
