Governor Hochul Announces Funding for Manhattan Greenway Harlem River Project

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced funding for the Manhattan Greenway Harlem River project, a major development aimed at connecting Upper Manhattan communities to the waterfront while bolstering protections from extreme weather and sea level rise. The project is part of the broader Manhattan Waterfront Greenway initiative, which aims to create a 32.5-mile ring of green space around the island of Manhattan.

The $309 million Harlem River project includes the reconstruction of a seawall, new pathways for pedestrians and bikes, and a brand-new seven-block waterfront park. The project is being led by the New York City Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with the New York City Parks and several other agencies. The project is expected to improve resiliency, help mitigate impacts of extreme weather, and protect the shoreline against sea-level rise.

New York State is contributing $43 million in funding from the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act. The bond act aims to protect water quality, help communities adapt to climate change, and create green jobs. So far, the state has awarded approximately $1.8 billion, or 25 percent, of the bond act funds.

Key Takeaways:

• The Manhattan Greenway Harlem River project will connect Upper Manhattan communities to the waterfront and improve resiliency against extreme weather and sea level rise.
• The project is part of the broader Manhattan Waterfront Greenway initiative, which aims to create a 32.5-mile ring of green space around the island of Manhattan.
• The $309 million project includes the reconstruction of a seawall, new pathways for pedestrians and bikes, and a brand-new seven-block waterfront park.
• New York State is contributing $43 million in funding from the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.
• The bond act aims to protect water quality, help communities adapt to climate change, and create green jobs, with approximately $1.8 billion, or 25 percent, of the funds awarded to date.
• The project will include hundreds of trees and shrubs, two acres of lawns, and community spaces for neighborhood residents.
• The project is a collaboration between New York City Economic Development Corporation, New York City Parks, and several other agencies.
• The goal of the project is to reduce risks from sea level rise, intense storms, and urban heat island impacts.
• The project will also improve stormwater management and reduce flood risk for the neighborhood.
• The project is part of the Governor's efforts to encourage affordable outdoor recreation.
• The project will create jobs, bring new open space and riverfront activities to the community, and achieve environmental justice.

Statistics:

• $309 million: total project cost
• $43 million: New York State contribution from the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act
• 32.5 miles: length of the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway initiative
• $4.2 billion: total funding for the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act
• $1.8 billion: approximately 25 percent of bond act funds awarded to date
• 2 acres: size of the new park area
• 100s: number of trees and shrubs to be planted in the project area

Sources:

• Governor Kathy Hochul's office
• New York City Economic Development Corporation
• New York City Parks
• New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
• New York City Council Member Yusuf Salaam
• State Senator Robert Jackson
• State Senator Cordell Cleare
• Assemblymember Jordan J.G. Wright
• Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine
• New York City Council Member Carmen De La Rosa
• New York's Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act (November 8, 2022)