Interim Report on NY & NJ Harbor and Tributaries Study Soon to Be Released

On February 19, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York District in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the City of New York is releasing an interim report for the New York & New Jersey Harbor and Tributaries Study.

In response to historical storms that have severely impacted the New York-New Jersey Harbor region, the Corps is investigating measures to manage future flood risk. Management would include supporting the long-term resilience and sustainability of the coastal ecosystem and surrounding communities, and reducing the economic costs and risks associated with flooding and storm events. The study team has prepared an interim report to present an array of alternative concepts based on existing information along with preliminary costs, benefits and environmental considerations, and to identify data gaps, key uncertainties, and factors that warrant further investigation because of their potential to affect the plan selection.

The concepts discussed in the report will include consideration of adaptation strategies for a range of future sea level rise projections, to ensure long-term resiliency in the face of uncertain future conditions. As required by “Council on Environmental Quality’s Principles, Requirements and Guidelines for Water and Land Related Resources Implementation Studies,” all reasonable alternatives that meet the purpose and need will be considered. Public and agency feedback will inform the next round of investigations and modeling needed to identify a Tentatively Selected Plan for the upcoming Draft Feasibility Report and Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement.

Opportunities for the public to engage in the study process will include public meetings in March and April of 2019 throughout the study area.