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AGENCY TESTIMONY
Implementation and benefits of the Blue Belt program
0:14:07
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81 sec
Licata details where Blue Belts are implemented across New York City, focusing on Staten Island as the primary location. She explains the expansion plans and partnerships involved in implementing Blue Belts, as well as their role in flood management.
- Blue Belts cover approximately one-third of Staten Island's land area
- DEP has completed 96 Blue Belt assets across three boroughs (Staten Island, Queens, and The Bronx)
- The program is expanding into other boroughs
- DEP partners with the Parks Department to identify opportunities for Blue Belt implementation
- Blue Belts are strategically placed near flood-vulnerable areas, often on parkland or other city-owned property
Angela Licata
0:14:07
Most of them are in Staten Island because Staten Island has the most intact water courses and water bodies than the other boroughs.
0:14:14
Over the last ten years, DEP has built blue belts for approximately one third of Staten Island's land area.
0:14:21
In Staten Island, we are continuing to build out blue belts in New Creek, Lemon Creek, Arden Heights, Boulder Manor watersheds.
0:14:28
The US Army Corps of Engineers is commencing construction of blue belts in South Beach watershed of Staten Island as part of an interior drainage of the South Shore Of Staten Island Seawall.
0:14:41
DEP has completed 96 Blue Belt assets across three boroughs.
0:14:46
In addition to Staten Island, DEP has created some Blue Belts in Queens and The Bronx and is looking to expand the program into other boroughs.
0:14:57
DEP looks for opportunities to implement blue belts and watersheds near to flood vulnerable areas.
0:15:03
Many times these flood vulnerable areas are nearby or within existing or historic waterways.
0:15:09
They are often located on New York City parks' property, so DEP is partnering with the parks department to identify opportunities where parkland could provide the space necessary to detain stormwater.
0:15:21
Where there is no obvious parks partnership, DEP looks for other city owned or vacant land opportunities.