Staten Island Reporter

Staten Island, NY - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) has announced $1,000,000 in federal funding for the Mid-Island Blue Belt Street Reconstruction Project. The project aims to enhance flood resiliency in the Ocean Breeze section of Staten Island by implementing road reconstruction, new curbs, sidewalks, and potential street raising.

Malliotakis emphasized the importance of the project, stating, "New York City's Bluebelt system has helped fortify Staten Island and lessened the severity of flooding, particularly for residents in the Midland Beach and Ocean Breeze communities who know the devastating effects of severe storm water all too well."

The initiative, a collaboration between NYC Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP), NYC Department of Design and Construction (NYCDDC), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), includes various components such as the installation of storm sewers, timber piles, manholes, catch basins, trees, and water mains. The comprehensive project, spanning Lincoln Avenue, Laconia Avenue, and Rowan Avenue, is anticipated to conclude in Summer 2025.

Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella expressed his satisfaction with the progress, stating, "Thank goodness we started laying the foundation years ago for this Bluebelt system...We're making progress, the teams are working together and that's what we should do. This is government working together."

City Councilman David Carr lauded Malliotakis' efforts, remarking, "What a great Earth Day gift to the communities of Midland Beach and Ocean Breeze, and really the whole East Shore, from our Congresswoman."

Malliotakis, who supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), has been instrumental in securing funding for infrastructure projects, including sewer resilience and flood mitigation efforts in New York State. Additionally, she has advocated for equitable distribution of infrastructure funding to benefit New York City.

The Mid-Island Blue Belt Street Reconstruction Project stands as a testament to collaborative efforts in enhancing flood resilience and infrastructure development in Staten Island, ultimately benefiting the local communities and promoting environmental sustainability.