$35.7 Million Central Park Project Aims to Reduce Flooding in Harlem and East Harlem

Construction is underway on a $35.7 million stormwater infrastructure project in Central Park designed to reduce flooding in surrounding Manhattan neighborhoods, including Harlem and East Harlem.



Announced by Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the North End Recirculation Project will improve stormwater management in the northern section of Central Park while reducing pressure on the city's sewer system.

The project will capture and redirect stormwater within a 204-acre watershed, with improvements expected to reduce stormwater flows into local sewers by approximately 90%. According to state officials, the system will divert an estimated 132 million gallons of stormwater annually, helping to mitigate flooding during heavy rainfall.

In addition to improving flood resilience, the project is expected to conserve approximately 175 million gallons of drinking water each year by reducing the need to use potable water to maintain the park's waterways.

The infrastructure improvements are scheduled for completion in fall 2028 and are part of broader efforts to strengthen New York City's stormwater management systems and address the impacts of increasingly intense rainfall.

For surrounding residential and commercial neighborhoods, investments in flood mitigation and sewer infrastructure can help reduce the risk of water damage and improve long-term property resilience. The project also highlights the importance of infrastructure investment in supporting the city's built environment.

Source: New York State Governor's Office