Mayor Mamdani Pledges $108M to Boost Sewer Systems

Investments will replace over 6,700 catch basins and modernize NYC's aging drainage infrastructure

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:29am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced a $108 million investment to replace and modernize over 6,700 catch basins across New York City, starting in Queens and expanding to other boroughs. This builds on $20 million already spent on new catch basin cleaning trucks, as the city works to upgrade its aging sewer system to handle increasing rainfall and flooding.

Why it matters

New York City's sewer infrastructure was built over a century ago and is struggling to keep up with the more intense rainstorms the city has experienced in recent years. This investment aims to improve the city's ability to drain stormwater and reduce street flooding in neighborhoods like Sunset Park that have been prone to these issues.

The details

The catch basin replacement and modernization project will begin in July, with DEP planning to upgrade more than 6,700 basins over the next decade. This includes installing bike-friendly grates, slotted manhole covers, and other improvements to increase drainage capacity. DEP has already upgraded 1,776 basins and added 350 new grates since last year, and will now be able to respond to 311 catch basin cleaning requests within 3 days, down from the previous 8-day requirement.

  • The catch basin replacement project will begin in July 2026.
  • DEP has already upgraded 1,776 basins and added 350 new grates since last year.
  • DEP can now respond to 311 catch basin cleaning requests within 3 days, down from the previous 8-day requirement.

The players

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who announced the $108 million investment to modernize the city's catch basin and sewer infrastructure.

Lisa Garcia

The commissioner of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, who will oversee the catch basin replacement and modernization project.

Alexa Avilés

The New York City Council Member representing Sunset Park, where the announcement took place.

Cynthia Felix Jeffers

The second vice chair of Community Board 7, who attended the announcement event.

Anastasios Georgelis

The acting Chief Operating Officer of the Department of Environmental Protection.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are here today to talk about one part of what City government must do, but when City government can show that when it rains in the city it doesn't have to flood, it also shows New Yorkers that we can dream of a tomorrow that is better than today.”

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

“New York City has more than 150,000 catch basins, the curbside grates that drain rainwater off the streets into our sewer system. When they are working properly, they keep the streets passable and reduce flooding during those storms and heavy rain. When they are blocked or outdated and not catching the debris, they unfortunately create ponding on the streets and flood intersections.”

— Lisa Garcia, Commissioner, Department of Environmental Protection

“Catch basins, you know, not sexy, but something we talk about all the time. We have community members who do 311 walks because as an environmental justice community that deals with the burdens of polluting infrastructure here in our community and persistent flooding, we know how important catch basins are.”

— Alexa Avilés, New York City Council Member

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This investment in modernizing New York City's catch basin and sewer infrastructure highlights the critical role that basic public works play in preparing the city for the increasing intensity of storms and rainfall due to climate change. By prioritizing drainage upgrades in flood-prone neighborhoods, the city is taking proactive steps to protect residents and businesses from the disruptive impacts of street flooding.