New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul announced Monday the groundbreaking of a $35.7 million project in Central Park designed to reduce flooding in Harlem and East Harlem while conserving the city’s drinking water.
The initiative will introduce a water recirculation system connecting three water bodies in the park’s northern section: the Pool, the Loch and the Harlem Meer. Construction is expected to finish in fall 2028.
The system will allow water levels to be lowered before storms, creating space for rainfall and reducing the risk of overflow. By managing water within the park, the project aims to ease pressure on surrounding streets and sewer infrastructure during heavy downpours.
During dry weather, recirculation will reduce the amount of drinking water needed to replenish the park’s waterways. The project is expected to manage runoff across a 204-acre watershed and keep approximately 132 million gallons of water out of local sewers annually, according to NBC New York.
Funding combines city, state and private contributions, including more than $19.6 million in city capital funding, a $10 million state Green Resiliency Grant and $3.5 million from Central Park Conservancy donors.
Mamdani presented the investment as a way to strengthen storm preparedness while conserving water. Hochul emphasized the importance of infrastructure that protects both public spaces and neighboring communities from severe weather.
