Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Emily Lloyd and Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Acting Commissioner David Resnick today announced that the City is set to begin a $25 million infrastructure upgrade that will significantly increase sewer capacity and thereby better manage stormwater and reduce flooding in the Elmhurst, Maspeth and Middle Village neighborhoods of Queens. The existing sewers located under Calamus Avenue and 69th Street serve as major conduits in the areas drainage network and both will receive significant capacity upgrades to ensure the proper drainage of stormwater from the streets and to help eliminate sewer backups. While the roadway is opened to add the sewer capacity, the City will also replace the area’s water mains to ensure residents and businesses continue to enjoy a reliable supply of high quality water. In early April, contractors will establish a field office in the community and begin mobilizing for the project. Construction will begin later this spring and the work is expected to be completed by the fall of 2016. The project is being funded by DEP and the construction will be managed by DDC.
“We are committed to working with local leaders and community groups to identify areas where upgrades to the sewer infrastructure are feasible and will help to better meet the needs of residents and businesses,” said DEP Commissioner Emily Lloyd. “This $25 million investment will add significant capacity to the sewer system, help to better manage the stormwater that drains to this low-lying neighborhood and reduce flooding.”
“We look forward to ‘getting shovels in the ground’ and starting work on these significant infrastructure upgrades in Elmhurst, Maspeth, and Middle Village. This project will improve our streets and water service, and add much-needed drainage to help manage stormwater. In addition, in the weeks to come, we will assign a full-time Community Construction Liaison to keep residents and business owners informed about the work we’ll be doing,” said David Resnick, AIA, Acting Commissioner of the New York City Department of Design and Construction.
“I am pleased that DEP is making the necessary infrastructure investments in our communities,” said Council Member Elizabeth Crowley. “These much needed improvements will help prevent future flooding in our homes and in our streets. I would like to thank Commissioner Lloyd for expediting this project and look forward to continuing to work with her and the DEP to ensure we continue to bring our infrastructure into the 21st Century.”