JSA2026 NYS Ending Flood Mismanagement: Proactive Solutions for a Safer New York

Jason S. Arnold for Governor – JSA2026 Campaign

New Yorkers have endured repeated flooding — from Hurricane Sandy to Ida to last year’s subway shutdowns — and each time, government officials simply tell us to “stay home” or issue warnings hours before disaster strikes. Warnings don’t fix the problem. Prevention does.

As Governor, I will lead the most aggressive flood mitigation program in New York history: modernizing drainage, protecting homes and transit, and holding every agency accountable for results — not press conferences.

The Problem: Warnings Without Solutions

• NYC’s combined sewer system, much of it built in the 1800s, cannot handle today’s heavy rain events (often exceeding 2 inches/hour).
• Recent storms have repeatedly flooded subways, highways, and basements — causing deaths, property loss, and billions in damage.
• Government response has been reactive — alerts and sandbags — instead of proactive, long-term fixes.
• Upstate and Long Island face similar issues: overwhelmed stormwater systems and rising floodplain risks due to climate shifts.

Our Plan: From Warnings to Prevention

1. Modernize Drainage and Sewer Systems

Upgrade critical drainage in flood-prone boroughs and counties using a phased, data-driven approach:

• Install new storm sewers and expand pipe diameters in chronic flood zones (Queens, Brooklyn, South Bronx).
• Add underground retention tanks to capture overflow during peak rainfall.
• Deploy modern pumping stations like London’s Thames Barrier model to protect low-lying neighborhoods.

2. Green Infrastructure for Absorption

Use nature to fight flooding:

• Expand permeable pavement and bioswales to absorb stormwater instead of channeling it into sewers.
• Turn vacant lots and underutilized land into rain gardens and retention zones.
• Prioritize projects in neighborhoods most impacted by urban heat islands and flooding.

3. Building and Zoning Reform

• Mandate flood-resilient construction for all new developments in FEMA flood zones — elevated utilities, waterproof basements, and higher foundation standards.
• Offer voluntary state-funded buyouts for repetitive loss properties, allowing homeowners to relocate safely.
• Restrict high-density projects in zones without viable flood mitigation pathways.

4. Regional Water Management

• Coordinate between NYC DEP, MTA, and state DOT for unified response — no more siloed flood planning.
• Expand upstream retention and reservoir management in the Hudson Valley and Catskills to reduce downstream surges.

5. Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts

• Deploy street-level flood sensors connected to NY-Alert for real-time data on rising water levels.
• Use AI-driven predictive models to anticipate flooding at specific intersections and subway entrances.
• Pre-position pumps and barriers based on predictive maps, not guesswork.

6. Funding and Accountability

• Leverage federal resilience grants (FEMA, HUD, DOT) for capital upgrades.
• Dedicate part of congestion pricing revenue to flood prevention — protecting transit protects revenue.
• Create a public dashboard to track every flood project, cost, and timeline in real time.

Why This Matters

Every dollar spent on flood prevention saves an estimated $6 in disaster recovery costs. Beyond saving money, this plan will save lives, protect homes, and keep New York’s transit running when it matters most.

I’m not a good candidate — I’m the right one. New Yorkers deserve more than warnings; they deserve a government that fixes problems before they happen.

Jason S. Arnold for Governor 2026
Campaign HQ: 204 Airport Plaza #1081, Farmingdale, NY 11735
Contact: (516) 586‑0660