REMARKS
Council Member Robert F. Holden presents Intro 225 on DEP infrastructure transparency
0:19:52
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129 sec
Council Member Robert F. Holden presents his bill, Intro 225, which would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to publish information on its website about infrastructure work requests and schedules. He explains that this legislation aims to increase transparency and provide a public database similar to tools used by other city agencies.
- The proposed database would include updates on catch basins, hydrants, sinkholes, and other infrastructure.
- Holden emphasizes that this tool would benefit New Yorkers by offering real-time updates on essential infrastructure near their homes.
- He expresses confidence in DEP's ability to implement this system and mentions ongoing discussions with DEP and City Hall about the bill.
Robert F. Holden
0:19:52
Thank you, Chair General, and thank you to the members of the committee on environmental protection.
0:19:58
For the opportunity to present my bill intro 225.
0:20:02
This legislation would require the Department of Environmental Protection to publish information on its website about requests it receives and work it has scheduled anything from catch base and maintenance to hydrant repairs and other essential tasks.
0:20:21
I know this may seem some somewhat complex, but it's actually not.
0:20:26
It's very straightforward.
0:20:28
Today's technology and the clear need for transparency, this bill would empower the DEP to create a public database similar to tools that other agencies do, like, for instance, the New York City tree maps, trees map.
0:20:44
And the DOT case status map.
0:20:47
So this is Donna Ray.
0:20:49
Such a platform would allow New Yorkers to see updates on catch basins, hydrants, sinkholes, and other infrastructure showing when in issue was reported and when it was inspected and when it was repaired and is slated or slated to be repaired.
0:21:05
Well, this may, again, may see, like, some work.
0:21:08
I am confident the DEP can meet this standard just like other agencies that I mentioned have done.
0:21:14
This tool would greatly benefit New Yorkers by offering updates on essential infrastructure near their homes and would allow elected offices to check on issues in real time to better serve constituents.
0:21:28
Right now, we have to call DEP, we had to get somebody to talk to, and it just goes around in circles many times.
0:21:34
So this this makes sense.
0:21:36
And and I I thank DP and city hall for their willingness to discuss this bill with my office even before today's hearing.
0:21:44
I look forward to hearing from the DEP and working with them to make any necessary adjustments to help bring this valuable resource to life.
0:21:53
And, again, I wanna thank chair general for allowing me to speak and then for also hearing the bell today.
0:22:00
Thank you.
