DeFalco testifies on Intro 936 Department of Coastal Protection
DeFalco says DEP shares the goal of clear accountability for coastal resilience but warns against fragmenting the existing Bureau. She asks the Council to consider strengthening rather than duplicating institutional structure.
Now I'd like to speak about the bills that are also being heard today.
Intro 936, the Department of Coastal Protection.
This bill would establish a new Department of Coastal Protection to oversee measures and infrastructure and address the growing risks associated with coastal storms and climate change.
We appreciate the council's focus and advocacy on this issue greatly.
We share the goal behind the legislation.
New York City needs a clear responsibility and accountability for coastal resilience.
That is precisely why the city created and is now
dramatically expanding DEP's Bureau of Coastal Resilience.
Over the past several years, we've been building the expertise, staffing partnership, and operating capacity necessary to manage this work.
BCR is already overseeing a growing portfolio of projects, assuming responsibility for completed infrastructure, developing citywide standards, and planning for the long-term future of our coastline.
As the council considers this legislation, we think it's important to closely look at the institutional structure already being built and make sure that any changes strengthen the city's ability to deliver this work rather than inadvertently fragmenting it.
We welcome the opportunity to continue that conversation with the council following today's hearing.