Home >> Newsroom

Print

November 14, 2012

Velázquez Calls for Infrastructure Improvements in Wake of Sandy

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) delivered the following statement today on the floor of the House of Representatives:

"If Hurricane Sandy taught us anything, it is the importance of infrastructure to New York City and our nation. Right now, New Yorkers are struggling with day-to-day challenges, many of them without power. In certain parts of the metropolitan area, gasoline shortages continue presenting enormous difficulties.

"But even as New Yorkers work to rebuild and recover for the short term, we cannot ignore long term problems. In many ways, the City of New York took a number of prudent steps that reduced damage and sped up recovery. However, it is painfully clear that more must be done in the future to ensure our nation's infrastructure can withstand assaults from Mother Nature. As Governor Cuomo said, 'We have a new reality and old infrastructures and old systems.'

"We can start by protecting low-lying areas near the ocean -- like Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan -- with sea walls, bulkheads and flood gates. In other areas 'soft infrastructure' investments such as sand dunes and embankments can minimize flooding. Our electrical system needs to be hardened and protected. Other energy sources must also be safeguarded. Ensuring refineries and petroleum supplies do not fall victim to floods can prevent future fuel shortages.

"Just as ensuring automobiles have fuel after disasters, other vital transportation arteries must be protected. Raising entryways to New York's subways could minimize flood damage to our subway system, ensuring our City gets back on its feet faster, after the next storm.

"Constructing a storm surge barrier and implementing infrastructure changes like these will not be cheap. It has been estimated costs could run as high as $20 billion. But, let's remember, in this one storm alone, New York City suffered $26 billion in economic damage and losses. Sadly, the question is not if there will be future storms, but when. By investing in our infrastructure, now, we can prevent future economic damage, to say nothing of protecting our citizens from danger.

"Not only will these investments protect our city from disasters down the road, but they can provide a much needed employment boost. New Yorkers are ready to go to work, strengthening our City for the long haul. Making these investments now, can create good paying jobs in the short term and reduce damage from future disasters over the long term. In New York we are ready to go to work, not only on New York's infrastructure, but also on our entire nation's. I yield back."

 

  

###