Renovation of the sewer system.

Justin Brannan, a council member, received $51 million. The purpose of the funding is to update the sewer system in parts of Dyker Heights. The goal is to make the system more modern. These areas have been prone to backflow flooding during rainstorms, having flooding in the area.

Brannan said the new project will improve the sewer system near 10th Avenue, close to 77th Street. In this area, people frequently need to remove contaminated water from their basements. This happens when heavy rain causes dirty water to flow in the opposite direction in sewer pipes. This initiative is an extension of a construction project done by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection 20 years ago.

Brad Hennessy and his neighbors in Dyker Heights are always on high alert for flooding whenever there’s a rainy forecast. The area experienced flooding the previous year.

They required him to remain outside his home. He used buckets to stop water from getting into his basement. He asserts that this problem is a result of defective sewer systems.

Last Friday, the city declared an emergency because of heavy rain causing flooding on the streets and subways. Hennessy, who has lived in the area for 10+ years, has seen that backflow flooding has worsened over time. He witnessed elderly residents struggling with flooded basements. So, he spoke to elected officials, asking them to create a new sewer system for the community’s peace of mind.

Recent years have witnessed historic rainfall in New York City, heightening concerns about flooding. The city declared an emergency because of heavy rain causing floods in streets and subway stations. Flood maps indicated that some parts of Brooklyn experienced up to 11 inches of flooding on September 29th.

Property owners in the United States must have backflow prevention devices for their water supplies.