Shaping the plan to protect NYC from floods
July 29, 2025
Riverkeeper Team
On July 25, 2025, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a set of three projects for public comment that are components of the ongoing resiliency plan for New York and New Jersey Harbor, the Harbor and Tributaries Study (HATS). Since releasing the draft HATS Feasibility Study in late 2022, the Corps has heard from the public that we want comprehensive flood planning that prioritizes nature-based infrastructure, not the massive system of concrete flood walls and sea gates they proposed. Riverkeeper and our partners have been lobbying for a better plan — and a better process — with our Congressional representatives, and state and city leaders. New York and New Jersey ultimately supported this call and as a result our leaders in Congress passed two amendments to the federal law that defines the scope of the Corps’ work (“WRDA”). These “WRDA amendments” require the Corps to consider the impact of their coastal storm surge projects on local communities and the environment, and to design projects that address multiple sources of flooding and give priority consideration to nature-based infrastructure approaches.
In response, this month the Corps has proposed three small projects for public review and comment which reflect this updated Congressional mandate. Riverkeeper will continue to work with the Corps, state and local governments, and community and environmental groups to ensure the best possible resiliency measures that will protect New York Harbor communities from the most devastating impacts of climate driven storms and flooding.
Related campaigns
New York City adaptation
Advocating for climate solutions for our waterways and communities in our nation’s largest city
Strengthening protections against a changing climate
Supporting nature-based solutions to adapt to the impacts of climate change
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