Abstract

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), New York District, in partnership with non-federal sponsors, seeks public comment for the New York & New Jersey Harbors and Tributaries Study (NY&NJHATS). In cooperation with local partners, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the New York Department of State, and the New York City Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice, the USACE is seeking public input on the proposed tentatively selected plan (TSP), Alternative 3B.

Alternative 3B: Tentatively Selected Plan

As Hurricane Sandy demonstrated, no two storms are alike. The USACE is completing the restoration work necessitated by Sandy. But the reality is the next storm will be different. The Corps has consequently undertaken a comprehensive look at resiliency for the region and watershed. The analysis includes existing conditions pertaining to navigation, recreation, parks, endangered species, aviation, and historic properties. Alternatives for the protection of the harbor included in-water solutions and on-land-only solutions. The baseline is the ‘Future Without Project’ (FWP) Condition. Alternative 3B has been designated as the Tentatively Selected Plan (TSP). A large storm barrier will be constructed at Jamaica Bay with navigation gates at the center. Additional barriers are called for at the Kill van Kull, the Arthur Kill, and Newtown Creek. The plan picks up where the East Side Coastal Resiliency project of the City of New York leaves off. Flood walls and levees are also planned for Jersey City. The USACE is in the process of conducting public information sessions with a wide-ranging cohort of NGOs, civic and environmental organizations, academic institutions, and the general public.

Battery Tunnel entrance during Hurricane Sandy

Speakers and Moderators

Speaker

Bryce W, Wisemiller

Project Manager, New York District of the USACE

Mr. Wisemiller has worked at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers since May of 1989.

Moderator

Rick Bell, FAIA

2023 President, CSU

Mr. Bell is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Columbia University and Deputy Director of the Center for Buildings, Infrastructure & Public Space

Organizations for Green Cities 2022

Consortium for Sustainable Urbanization, UN-Habitat, AIA New York, AIANY Planning & Design, the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-NY, Habitat Professionals Forum for Sustainable Cities, Perkins-Eastman, Creative Exchange Lab, Columbia Center for Buildings, Infrastructure & Public Space, and Global Urban Development (GUD)

Learning Objectives / Participants will be able to

• Describe the relation of historical forces and climate concerns in protection plans for the NY & NJ Harbors and Tributaries
• Discuss the use of in-water and on-land alternatives for storm surge and hurricane protection
• Identify how the US Army Corps of Engineers and local partner agencies have developed several proposals, including Alternative 3B, the Tentatively Selected Plan (TSP)
• Illustrate how the Tentatively Selected Plan addresses issues of environmental and social justice