Planning for a ‘new reality’

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Cuomo said he is also focused on enhancing the state’s weather detection capabilities, and announced that New York, which currently has 27 weather detection stations, will undertake an $18.7 million project that will increase their number to 125 and make them more technologically advanced. Stations will be capable of generating reports every few minutes, and will monitor air, wind, soil and radiation to provide storm and flood warning and identify threats to roads, bridges and the electrical system.

Transportation came to a halt during Sandy, and it took weeks to repair train tracks and pump out subway stations. Cuomo’s plan includes a $5 billion overhaul of the New York City subways, the Long Island Rail Road and MetroNorth, including the capability to seal subway and tunnel entrances and station stairways to prevent flooding. He said he also wants to invest in strengthening John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia airports with new tides gates and drainage systems.

Biden applauded Cuomo for being a “visionary” in upending the way things have traditionally been done and adapting for the future. Biden said that plans like these are needed not only because they will protect residents, but because they will create economic growth and new jobs.

Schnirman said that it was good to see the partnership among federal, state and local government working to rebuild and prepare for future storms. “Yesterday’s announcement on the state side is an important piece of the overall effort to rebuild back stronger, smarter, safer,” Schnirman said. “We’re excited to see these things go forward as soon as possible.”

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