Old Howard Beach Drainage Study Funded by Municipal Infrastructure Grant By Richard Varney, Crime & Public Safety Reporter | March 18, 2026 | Development & Infrastructure NEW YORK — Queens Borough President Donovan Richards announced a new capital funding allocation Tuesday afternoon during a civic meeting at the community library. The municipal grant aims to address chronic street flooding on lowlying blocks. Infrastructure Funds Dedicated to Tidal Canal Studies City engineers are preparing to launch a comprehensive engineering study of the old waterways surrounding the neighborhood. According to the , water from the basins surrounding Old Howard Beach and Hamilton Beach regularly floods streets and residential basements. Field crews will map several outfall channels to determine where structural blockages are occurring. The study will provide a blueprint for future street elevation projects. Environmental Protection Commissioner Outlines Sewer Upgrades "Our neighborhood sewer systems must be modernized to handle both high tides and heavy downpours," Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Rohit Aggarwala said in a statement released Monday. Aggarwala confirmed that the city is planning longterm investments for coastal Queens. Engineers will evaluate the potential installation of heavyduty tide gates at major outfalls. The proposed gates would prevent seawater from backing up into the residential drainage system during high tides. Coastal Inundation Impacts Local Properties Homeowners along the canal basins face ongoing property damage due to saltwater exposure. Elevated tides routinely submerge street corners, preventing residents from leaving their driveways. To learn more about related infrastructure developments, check how the to help adjacent lowlying streets. Residents have been vocal about the need for immediate relief, citing decades of temporary patches. Civic associations continue to push for accelerated construction timelines. Regional Environmental Challenges for Jamaica Bay Communities The environmental challenges facing South Queens are shared by several coastal communities along the bay. Low elevation and aging clay sewer pipes create a difficult scenario for municipal planners. For additional community updates, check how the to discuss local infrastructure issues. City agencies plan to host a public workshop next month to present preliminary findings to the community. Residents will have the opportunity to highlight specific chronic flooding locations on their blocks. Neighborhood Organizations Lobby for Bulkhead Repairs Local civic leaders are advocating for stricter rules regarding private bulkhead maintenance along the canals. Damaged or low bulkheads on private properties often allow water to bypass public flood barriers. City planners are looking into grant programs to help private property owners repair their bulkheads. A coordinated effort is required to protect the entire residential shoreline. Frequently Asked Questions When will the drainage engineering study begin? The municipal study is scheduled to begin fieldwork next month, with engineering teams taking water measurements during spring high tides. A final report containing proposed capital upgrades will be submitted to the community board by late autumn. Construction planning will follow. Are there resources available for basement water damage? Residents experiencing severe basement flooding can contact the city's 311 system to request water removal assistance or report sewer backups. The Department of Environmental Protection provides guides on installing sump pumps and backwater valves. Some property owners may qualify for flood mitigation assistance grants.
