NYC Mayor Pledges $108M for Sewer Upgrades

Investment aims to replace over 6,700 catch basins and modernize drainage infrastructure to combat climate change impacts.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:16am

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New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced a $108 million investment to upgrade and replace more than 6,700 catch basins over the next decade. This follows a $20 million purchase of 40 new catch basin cleaning trucks to improve the city's street drainage network and protect neighborhoods from the effects of more frequent and intense rain events.

Why it matters

As climate change brings more extreme weather, investing in sewer and drainage infrastructure is crucial to prevent flooding and ensure the city's streets remain passable. This project is part of the administration's broader strategy to build climate resilience and affordability for New Yorkers.

The details

The $108 million will fund full replacements of older catch basins that no longer meet modern standards. Additionally, the DEP will invest $1.5 million annually to upgrade existing catch basins by installing improved grates and slotted manhole covers. The agency has also ordered 40 new specialized catch basin cleaning trucks to replace its aging fleet.

  • Work on the catch basin replacements will begin in July 2026 in Queens.
  • Since July 2024, the DEP has already upgraded 3,273 catch basins and expects to complete 1,700 more by June 2026.
  • The DEP plans to fully replace its 47-truck fleet of catch basin cleaning vehicles by June 2029.

The players

Zohran Kwame Mamdani

The Mayor of New York City, who is leading the city's investment in sewer and drainage infrastructure upgrades.

Lisa F. Garcia

The Commissioner of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, which is overseeing the catch basin replacement and modernization projects.

Julia Kerson

The Deputy Mayor for Operations, who stated that these investments in infrastructure are part of the administration's data-driven, targeted approach to improving city services.

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What they’re saying

“Investing in resiliency is an affordability strategy we cannot take for granted. By investing in our sewer system, we're protecting our neighborhoods from the destruction and devastation severe storms bring. These new and improved catch basins are a recognition that climate preparedness must be built into every feature of our City.”

— Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Mayor

“This administration is making smart, targeted investments in the infrastructure New Yorkers rely on every day. By combining data-driven inspections, modern equipment and long-term capital upgrades, we are improving sewer performance citywide while delivering faster service and greater accountability to the public.”

— Julia Kerson, Deputy Mayor for Operations

“As we modernize our water and sewer infrastructure and advance major projects, we're also investing in local improvements that make a real difference at the neighborhood and block level. No project is too small when it comes to protecting New Yorkers. We're seeing more intense rainfall than ever, and these investments in catch basins, more commonly known as storm drains, and specialized cleaning trucks will help keep streets passable, protect communities from flooding, and ensure our stormwater system is ready for climate challenges.”

— Lisa F. Garcia, DEP Commissioner

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 sewer and drainage infrastructure is a critical step in building climate resilience for New York City. By upgrading catch basins and modernizing cleaning equipment, the city is taking proactive measures to protect neighborhoods from the impacts of extreme weather events, ensuring streets remain passable and communities are safeguarded from flooding.