DEP and Councilman Carr Partner on New Catch Basin Project in Willowbrook/Westerleigh

September 15, 2022

Increased drainage capacity will help to better manage stormwater; A map and photos are available on DEP's Flickr Page

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Councilman David Carr today announced that construction has begun to install nearly three dozen new catch basins, as well as new storm sewers, in the Willowbrook/Westerleigh section of Staten Island. Councilman Carr provided $1 million in funding for the $1.6 million project, which will help to better manage stormwater. 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."

"Residents of the Willowbrook/Westeleigh community have experienced hardship throughout the years after severe rainstorms. I am happy to fund this project and work with DEP to make sure these streets are receiving much needed infrastructure upgrades that will enhance drainage and mitigate street flooding," said Councilman Carr.

"After touring the Westerleigh neighborhood with Councilmember Carr earlier this year, it was apparent that drainage work was needed in this area that has historically seen bad flooding," said Borough President Vito Fossella. "We want to thank DEP Commissioner Aggarwala for taking this next step to ensure protection of Staten Island residents. We also want to extend our gratitude to Councilmember Carr for funding this work and advocating for residents of the community."

Work will take place along Auburn Avenue, from Cambridge Avenue to Stewart Avenue, as well as portions of Nina Avenue and Willow Road East. 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.

David Carr is the Council Member for the Mid Island-based 50^th Councilmanic District. He serves on the Committees of Finance, Housing & Buildings, Fire & Emergency Management, Parks & Recreation, Criminal Justice, and Transportation & Infrastructure, and the Subcommittee on Zoning & Franchises.

DEP manages New York City's water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.8 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 also protects the health and safety of New Yorkers by enforcing the Air and Noise Codes and asbestos rules. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.