Over 200 NYCHA buildings were impacted by Ida, but 12 developments suffered particularly significant damage. The City proposes to use CDBG-DR funds to cover the following costs:
During the summer months, periods of excessive heat and heavier load on the electrical grid cause frequent dips in voltage, which can lead to power outages. NYCHA residents can lose access to elevator service when these outages occur, endangering the most vulnerable residents such as senior citizens and those with limited mobility. NYCHA will use CDBG-DR funds to install Alternating Voltage Regulators (AVR), which regulate low voltage conditions to acceptable elevator operating levels. With the addition of AVRs, power outages and possible damage to equipment and electrical systems will be avoided, furthering safe housing for vulnerable populations.
Preliminary estimates suggest restoration work at these 12 developments alone will cost approximately $156 million, with another $158 million in mitigation work. The City expects the FEMA Public Assistance (PA) program and flood insurance proceeds to cover the bulk of these costs, but NYCHA will be expected to cover approximately 10%, about $30.5 million. New York State may cover a portion of NYCHA’s share, but that has yet to be confirmed. CDBG-DR funds would be used to cover only the unmet need portion of NYCHA’s cost share not covered by another funding source.
In addition to restoration and FEMA-approved mitigation work, NYCHA has also identified over $100 million in mitigation projects that would increase resilience to disasters at these 12 developments. CDBG-DR funds would cover additional mitigation work not included in FEMA-approved scope. For example, NYCHA would leverage FEMA funding related to replacing storm-damaged plumbing and heating systems by using CDBG-DR funds to replace plumbing risers that distribute water, steam, or gas throughout the building.