Quinn Calls For More Stormproofing Of Buildings, Infrastructure In NYC
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- As New York City works to recover from Superstorm Sandy, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn is calling for more buried power lines, generators at gas stations and other measures to help prepare for future
storms.
Quinn aired a series of proposals Tuesday. They include working to get a federal study of whether or not to build big storm-surge
barriers. The idea has gotten a divided reception from scientists.
WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reports
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"This will include both hard infrastructure, like sea walls, bulkheads or flood gates and natural defenses, like sand dunes, wetlands and embankments," she said.
Quinn said the electrical network, gasoline distribution and sewer systems must also be hardened against storms. She said a pair of Army Corps of Engineers studies will be completed by next spring.
"This is no longer an academic exercise," she said. "This will produce a concrete blueprint for action."
Quinn also suggests considering stricter requirements for flood-proofing buildings and pressing utilities to safeguard power plants better against inundation.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg has said his administration is focused on immediate recovery needs for now.
But he's suggested such future improvements as making sure hospitals and other buildings with backup generators don't put them in flood-prone basements.
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