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Congressman Gregory Meeks Announces $3.1 Million for Snake Road Flood Mitigation

December 12, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05) announced $3.1 million federal grant provided by FEMA and the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES). The grant will support a study examining ways to mitigate flooding along “Snake Road,” a stretch of Brookville Boulevard between 149th Avenue and Rockaway Boulevard prone to flooding. 

“This federal funding will finally address a continuous issue for residents of Rosedale and our Queens and Nassau communities,” said Congressman Meeks. “Flooding of Brookville Boulevard disrupts New Yorkers’ commutes and everyday travel. It causes vehicles to get stuck, forces key MTA bus lines to be re-routed, and overall creates more traffic between 149th Avenue and Rockaway Boulevard. This grant, which will enable the city to explore ways to mitigate the impacts of this flooding, is vital to my mission of keeping our communities connected.” 

The Brookville Boulevard Flood Mitigation Study, which will launch next year, will assess long and short-term solutions to address flooding while considering regulatory constraints posed by environmental and wetland mitigation requirements and the presence of utilities alongside the road. Potential short-term solutions include strategically placed signs and warning devices, and long-term solutions include raising the existing roadway and creating a shorter, more direct path between 149th Avenue and Rockaway Boulevard by rerouting the roadway. The study is expected to take 30 months and will cost $3.4 million including a city funding match.  

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