The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and partner groups, including Riverkeeper, were awarded a federal forestry grant of $362,000 to test new models for reducing combined sewer overflows using urban trees and green infrastructure. It will focus on three areas: Bronx River near the Cross Bronx Expressway, Newtown Creek in Brooklyn, and Newark Bay/ Upper New York Bay in New Jersey. Newtown Creek receives 2.7 billion gallons per year from 20 combined sewer overflow outfalls and is one of the most impervious areas citywide with low rates of parks, tree cover, and open space.