Brookville Boulevard Secures $3.1M Grant for Resiliency Study After Senator Sanders' Two-Year Push

Queens, NY – December 12th, 2023 – In a major victory for the community, Senator James Sanders announced today that the City of New York has secured a $3.1 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to conduct a comprehensive engineering study of Brookville Boulevard. This crucial funding, secured through the FEMA Hazardous Mitigation Grant Program (FHMGP), comes after two years of tireless advocacy and collaboration by Senator Sanders with local stakeholders.

"For two years, I have been fighting alongside residents to secure this critical funding for Brookville Boulevard," said Senator Sanders. "This grant represents a major victory for our community and a significant step forward in addressing the chronic flooding that has plagued this vital evacuation route for far too long."

Brookville Boulevard, also known as "Snake Road," has been deemed one of the most flood-prone streets in New York City, posing a serious threat to public safety and causing significant disruptions. The upcoming engineering study will assess flood risks and develop a long-term plan to mitigate future flooding, ensuring the road's long-term viability and the safety of residents.

"This is the first time a study of this magnitude will be conducted on Brookville Boulevard," said Senator Sanders. "This grant will not only help us understand the causes of flooding but also pave the way for rebuilding the road and making it more resilient to future storms."

Senator Sanders has been a champion for Brookville Boulevard flood mitigation, convening key stakeholders from various agencies including the NYC Department of Transportation, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, NYC Parks Department, and NY Metropolitan Transportation Council to develop a comprehensive strategy. This collaborative effort played a pivotal role in securing the grant from FEMA.

"This grant is a testament to the power of community collaboration," said Senator Sanders. "It represents a significant investment in the future of our city and a commitment to building a more resilient and sustainable community for all."

The engineering study is expected to launch next year, paving the way for the development and implementation of a long-term flood mitigation plan.