NYC to Invest $108 Million in Storm Drain Upgrades to Combat Flooding

City officials announced a major investment aimed at reducing street flooding and strengthening infrastructure across the five boroughs, with $108 million allocated to upgrade and replace thousands of catch basins over the next decade.

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, alongside Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Lisa F. Garcia, said the initiative will modernize more than 6,700 storm drains, helping the city better handle increasingly frequent and intense rainstorms.

In addition to the upgrades, the city has already invested $20 million in 40 new catch basin cleaning trucks to improve maintenance and response times, ensuring neighborhoods remain protected during severe weather.

Officials emphasized that catch basins play a critical role in directing stormwater into the city’s sewer system. When clogged by debris, they can lead to dangerous street flooding.

As part of the plan, older basins will be fully replaced, with work set to begin in Queens this July. The city will also continue ongoing modernization efforts, including upgrading grates and installing slotted manhole covers that allow water to drain even when blockages occur.

Since mid-2024, more than 3,200 basins have already been upgraded, with additional improvements planned each year.

City officials say the investment is part of a broader effort to address climate-related challenges and protect homes, businesses, and roadways from storm-related damage, while improving response times to flooding complaints.