SCHUMER URGES USDA TO FUND BLUEBELT EXPANSION ON STATEN ISLAND; PROPOSED PROJECT WILL RESTORE THE WEST BRANCH OF THE NEW CREEK & PROVIDE FLOOD MITIGATION MEASURES FOR HOMEOWNERS IN MIDLAND BEACH

New York, NY – September 6, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to fund the New York City Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) plans to expand the Staten Island Bluebelt. New York City is applying for funding through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) under the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The Bluebelt provides a storm water management system for one-third of Staten Island. Hurricane Sandy’s flooding devastated areas of Staten Island and an expansion of the Bluebelt is needed for future flood mitigation. Schumer today wrote a letter to the USDA in support of the Bluebelt’s extension, also known as the New Creek West Branch restoration project.<