$1.4M Secured To Rebuild Streets Destroyed By Flood

Congressmembers Anthony Weiner, left, and Carolyn Maloney, far right, secured $1.4 million as part of the $286 billion Transportation Equity Act, a program which every six years reauthorizes funding for the nation’s transportation systems at the request of Assemblymember Michael Gianaris, center.

Funding to repair the streets and sidewalks destroyed by last February’s massive water main break in Astoria has been acquired by Congressmembers Anthony Weiner and Carolyn Maloney, following a request from Assemblymember Michael Gianaris.

Weiner (D–Queens/Brooklyn) and Maloney (D–Queens/Manhattan) secured $1.4 million as part of the $286 billion Transportation Equity Act, a program which every six years reauthorizes funding for the nation’s transportation systems, Gianaris explained.

Gianaris said the $1.4 million can be used to repair and improve the streets and sidewalks in the area around 80th Street and Ditmars Boulevard, where 1 million gallons of water poured out after a water main break occurred.

The Feb. 16, 2005 break flooded the basements of about 50 homes, doing millions of dollars worth of damage to buildings, furniture and personal belongings.

The funds can also be used to improve roadways in Astoria so they are less vulnerable to damage from future water main breaks, Gianaris (D–Astoria) said.

“Flooded basements and thousands of dollars in property damage from ruptured water mains are far too common in Astoria and Long Island City,” Gianaris stated. “Three water main breaks in one year is more than any neighborhood should endure.

“The residents of Western Queens have suffered greatly due to the lack of investment in our infrastructure. I am thankful that Congressmembers Weiner and Maloney have stepped forward to help us avoid similar problems in the future.”

Thinking back to a year ago, Maloney recalled, “Last February’s flood was a nightmare for Astoria residents. I am proud the federal funding will be going not only to repair our streets, but to make them less vulnerable to future flooding as well.”

Maloney also thanked Weiner for his “leadership and hard work in making Astoria an even better place to live.”

—John Toscano