Three Defendants Charged In $1.3 Million Covid Fraud Scheme

Mariluz Fermin, Bellanilda Fermin, and Juan Nolasco Arrested for Submitting Fraudulent COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits Applications 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (“DOL-OIG”), Ricky Patel, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and Damon Wood, Inspector in Charge, Philadelphia Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service  (“USPIS”),  announced today the unsealing of a complaint charging MARILUZ FERMIN, BELLANILDA FERMIN, and JUAN NOLASCO with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, theft of government benefits, and aggravated identity theft in connection with a COVID-19 unemployment benefit scheme that attempted to steal more than $1.3 million from the New York Department of Labor (“NY DOL”).  MARILUZ FERMIN, BELLANILDA FERMIN, and NOLASCO were arrested this morning in Yonkers, New York, and will be presented this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Gabriel W. Gorenstein.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, the defendants, working in concert, fraudulently filed claims for COVID-19 unemployment benefits under the names and social security numbers of at least 75 other people, making off with nearly $700,000 and attempting to steal more than $1.3 million.  Now all three are in custody and facing serious federal charges.”    

DOL-OIG Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone said: “The Unemployment Insurance Program exists to provide needed assistance to qualified individuals who are unemployed due to no fault of their own.  Fraud against the Unemployment Insurance Program distracts state workforce agencies from ensuring that benefits go to individuals who are eligible to receive them. The Office of Inspector General will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners, to investigate those who allegedly exploit the Unemployment Insurance Program.”  

HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Ricky Patel said: “As alleged in the Complaint, these individuals attempted to manipulate a program designed to help Americans and U.S. businesses pay their bills, retain employees, and keep afloat on the heels of a global pandemic that took the lives of millions throughout the world.  Each defendant allegedly used the personal information of more than 70 people in this attempt, and succeeded in stealing at least $687,000 in COVID unemployment benefits – stealing not just from the government, but from everyday Americans who need it most.  HSI and our partners will use all of our resources to seek out and bring to justice those that attempt to steal benefits meant to help those struggling to get back on their feet from COVID-19.”

USPIS Inspector in Charge Damon Wood said: “These individuals allegedly took advantage of the pandemic and those truly in need of assistance when they developed a scheme to lie and steal from the government and the American public.  Today, they have been brought to justice for their alleged crimes by Postal Inspectors and their law enforcement partners whose mission is to keep the public safe from criminal activity.”

As alleged in the Complaint[1]:

From May 2020 through October 2020, MARILUZ FERMIN, BELLANILDA FERMIN, and JUAN NOLASCO engaged in a scheme to obtain COVID-19 unemployment benefits by fraudulently filing and verifying applications using the names and social security numbers of at least 75 other people.  The NY DOL was alerted to the suspicious activity based on metadata associated with the applications (the “Fraudulent Applications”), which indicated that the Fraudulent Applications were submitted from the same internet protocol (“IP”) address.  During that same time, the IP Address was used to log into unemployment benefits claims – including the Fraudulent Applications – at least approximately 900 times.  Further, MARILUZ FERMIN, BELLANILDA FERMIN, and JUAN NOLASCO exchanged text messages that included, among other things, personal identifying information – such as names, email accounts, and dates of birth – used in the Fraudulent Applications.  In addition, between in or about June 2020 and in or about August 2020, NOLASCO visited several ATM machines in the Bronx, New York, for the purpose of withdrawing funds issued as a result of the Fraudulent Applications.  The scheme filed claims for more than $1.3 million and succeeded in stealing at least $687,000 in COVID-19 unemployment benefits before the fraud was detected. 

MARILUZ FERMIN, 46, BELLANILDA FERMIN, 41, and JUAN NOLASCO, 37, are each charged with (1) conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, (2) theft of government benefits, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and (3) aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory two-year consecutive sentence.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants would be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the DOL-OIG, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, HSI, USPIS, the Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General, and the NY DOL.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint, and the description of the Complaint set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation as to the defendants charged in the Complaint.

Attorney General James Concludes New York’s Opioid Trial

 

Teva Pharmaceuticals USA is Last Remaining NYS Defendant in Trial

AG James Has Already Negotiated Up to $1.7 Billion for New York From Different Opioid Manufacturers and Distributors

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement after New York state concluded its opioid trial in Suffolk County State Supreme Court against the final remaining New York state defendant not currently in bankruptcy — Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. and its affiliates:

“Today marks an important milestone as we conclude the trial against the last remaining defendant in our opioids trial — Teva Pharmaceuticals USA.

 “More than two years ago, I made a promise that we would hold opioid manufacturers and distributors accountable for the deaths and the suffering caused by an epidemic that they helped fuel. And, one-by-one, we have done just that.

“We have already secured up to $1.7 billion from the various defendants we initially sued, and that figure may grow.

“While no amount of money will ever compensate for the human suffering, the addiction, or the lives lost due to opioid abuse, this money will be essential in helping every corner of the state — from the North Country to Western New York, from the Southern Tier to Long Island, and up and down the Hudson — recover from this epidemic.

“Today, I am left thinking about all those families that will never be whole again. For everyone who lost their life. For every parent who will never hold their child again. For every community that’s been devastated. But, today, we turn the tide.

“I am also eternally grateful to our trial team and every other member of the office that put time into this vitally important case."

In March 2019, Attorney General James filed the nation’s most extensive lawsuit to hold accountable the various manufacturers and distributors responsible for the opioid epidemic. The manufacturers named in the complaint included Purdue Pharma and its affiliates, as well as members of the Sackler Family (owners of Purdue) and trusts they control; Janssen Pharmaceuticals and its affiliates (including its parent company Johnson & Johnson); Mallinckrodt LLC and its affiliates; Endo Health Solutions and its affiliates; Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. and its affiliates; and Allergan Finance, LLC and its affiliates. The distributors named in the complaint were McKesson Corporation, Cardinal Health Inc., Amerisource Bergen Drug Corporation, and Rochester Drug Cooperative Inc. 

Last week, an agreement with Allergan was reached that will deliver up to $200 million to New York state and Nassau and Suffolk counties for opioid abatement, as well as make enforceable a bar that stops Allergan and all of its subsidiaries, predecessors, and successors from selling opioids in New York and acknowledges Allergan’s prior exit from the opioid business.

In September, an agreement with Endo was reached that has already delivered $50 million to New York state and Nassau and Suffolk counties to combat the opioid crisis.

Also, in September, the bankruptcy court in Purdue confirmed a $4.5 billion plan — at least $200 million of which will be earmarked for New York — from the Sackler family and foundations that they control, will end the Sacklers’ ability to manufacture opioids ever again, and will shut down Purdue Pharma.

In July, a settlement with McKesson, Cardinal Health, and Amerisource Bergen that will deliver up to $1 billion to New York state to combat the opioid epidemic was announced.

In June, a settlement that ended Johnson & Johnson’s sale of opioids nationwide and that will deliver $230 million to New York alone was announced.

The deals with Johnson & Johnson, McKesson, Cardinal Health, and Amerisource Bergen have a global value of approximately $26 billion.

The cases against Mallinckrodt and Rochester Drug Cooperative are now moving separately through U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

Pursuant to the new law establishing the opioid settlement fund, all funds collected by the state from opioid settlements or litigation victories will be allocated specifically for abatement efforts in communities devastated by the opioid epidemic and will not go towards the state’s general fund.

Governor Hochul Announces $29.4 Million for Supportive Housing Projects and Emergency Shelter Repairs

 

Will create 239 Units of Permanent Supportive Housing and Fund Shelter Repairs Across Seven Counties  

Provides Supportive Services and Housing Stability for Veterans, Individuals With Substance Use Disorder, and Those Suffering From Serious Mental Illness  

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that $29.4 million in state funding has been awarded to nine projects in seven counties that will provide permanent supportive housing to New Yorkers experiencing homelessness. Supported through the state's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, these projects include emergency shelter repairs and developments that will create an additional 239 units of permanent supportive housing serving veterans, individuals with a history of substance use disorder, and those suffering from serious mental illness.  

"The pandemic has exacerbated housing difficulties for many New Yorkers, especially our heroic veterans, those with substance use disorders, and those suffering from a serious mental illness," Governor Hochul said. "These state-supported projects strike at the root of homelessness by pairing affordable housing with crucial supportive services that put vulnerable individuals and their families on the path to long term housing stability and more productive, fulfilling lives." 

Administered by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program made available $128 million in capital funding for projects to build new supportive housing units or to repair existing emergency shelters. So far this year, the program has allocated nearly $68.5 million that will create 573 units of permanent supportive housing, 14 units of transitional housing, and 36 units of emergency housing.  

The projects awarded funding today include:  

• CDS Monarch, Inc. was awarded $3.5 million to transform a two-story warehouse into 14 units of supportive housing in the town of Olean in Cattaraugus County.  
• Mt. Olive Development Corp. was awarded $4 million to help construct a three-story building and 20 units of supportive housing serving individuals 55 or older in Buffalo.  
• Community Services for Every1 was awarded $2.5 million to help rehabilitate a former community center and athletic facility and add 12 units of supportive housing in Buffalo. 
• Samaritan Daytop Village, Inc. was awarded $3.5 million to rehabilitate two apartment buildings in 86 units of supportive housing serving the chronically homeless in the Wakefield neighborhood of the Bronx.  
• New Destiny Housing Corporation was awarded $4.8 million to rehabilitate a former shelter into 30 units of supportive housing in Bronx County.  
• Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. was awarded $1.8 million to help construct seven units of supportive housing serving homeless veterans and others in the town of Trumansburg in Tompkins County.    
• STEL, Inc., and Options for Community Living, Inc. was awarded $5.5 million to help develop a three-story building with 52 units of supportive housing serving individuals with serious mental illness in Nassau County.    
• Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. was awarded $3.7 million to construct a three-story building with 18 units of supportive housing serving individuals with substance use disorder in the town if Tyre in Seneca County.  

SCO Family of Services was also awarded $85,000 to repair the Peconic Heights Shelter in Suffolk County. The funding will address the emergency shelter's outdated electrical system and preserve six units of emergency housing for homeless single women.    

About $59.5 million of Homeless and Housing Assistance Program funding remains for Fiscal 2021. Last year, the program provided funding to 30 projects that will add 881 units of supportive housing and repair emergency shelters.   

NYGOP Chairman Nick Langworthy: Kathy Hochul Is in over Her Head

 

 

"Kathy Hochul is in over her head. First she comes out with a ridiculous mask mandate that will crush New York small businesses. Then after counties pushed back, she immediately folded and said she wouldn't force them to comply. She is weak and not ready to lead. Kathy Hochul just doesn't have the experience or competence to be the Chief Executive of the Empire State."

19 Days and Counting Happy Birthday Jose Rivera

 

 

I want to wish one of my favorite members of the New York State Assembly a Happy Birthday. He is one of the oldest members of the state assembly, and no not you Jeffrey Dinowitz. Happy Birthday to Assemblyman Jose Rivera who was born on this day in the grand ole Island of Puerto Rico in 1936. We men are not afraid to give our age, so Jose that would make you 85 years old today. Congratulations, and you have my support next year on your reelection bid. 

Next Time I come up to the Bronx to play a little basketball with my friend Councilman Oswald Feliz I want you to join us Jose. Oswald may be good in the City Council, but he lousy at shooting hoops. Once again happy Birthday Assemblyman Jose Rivera.

Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Convicted Of Obstructing Federal Investigation Of Misconduct At Municipal Credit Union

 

Damian Williams, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the conviction of SYLVIA ASH, a justice of the New York State Supreme Court, and former chair of the Board of Directors of Municipal Credit Union (“MCU”), for conspiracy to obstruct justice, obstruction of justice, and making a false statement to a federal agent.  These charges arose from a scheme to impede the federal criminal investigation into fraud and corruption at MCU, a non-profit, multibillion-dollar financial institution, including misconduct committed by Kam Wong, the former chief executive officer (“CEO”), and Joseph Guagliardo, a former New York City Police Department Officer and member of MCU’s Supervisory Committee.  Wong and Guagliardo were charged separately and previously pled guilty to embezzlement from MCU.  ASH was convicted after a two-week jury trial before U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 20, 2022 by Judge Kaplan. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Today’s conviction demonstrates our resolve in uncovering criminal conduct at the highest levels of MCU and ensuring that those who attempt to thwart a federal investigation face consequences for that corrosive conduct.  As the jury unanimously found, Sylvia Ash took repeated steps, over multiple months, to seek to obstruct the federal criminal investigation into financial misconduct at MCU that took place during Ash’s tenure as chair of the Board of Directors.  Obstruction of justice, particularly by a sitting state court judge, is a serious crime, and Ash now faces punishment for her obstruction scheme.”

According to the Complaint, Indictment, Superseding Indictment, publicly-available information, court filings, and evidence presented during the trial in Manhattan federal court:

Municipal Credit Union

MCU is a non-profit financial institution headquartered in New York, New York, which is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (“NCUA”).  MCU is the oldest credit union in New York State and one of the oldest and largest in the country, providing banking services to more than 500,000 members, and with more than $4 billion in member accounts, each of which is insured for at least $250,000 by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, which is administered by the NCUA.  Membership in MCU is generally available to employees of New York City and its agencies, employees of the federal and New York state governments who work in New York City, and employees of hospitals, nursing homes, and similar facilities located within New York State.     

At all relevant times, MCU was overseen by a Board of Directors (the “Board”) and a Supervisory Committee (the “Supervisory Committee”), each of which was composed of members of MCU, who were not supposed to be compensated.  As a result of severe deficiencies in the Board’s and the Supervisory Committee’s oversight of the credit union, which came to light in connection with the federal investigation, the New York Department of Financial Services (“DFS”) removed the members of the Supervisory Committee in May 2018 and the Board in June 2018. Subsequently, DFS appointed NCUA as the conservator for the credit union.

ASH

ASH is a sitting New York State Supreme Court Justice in Kings County.  ASH has served as a judge in the New York State court system since approximately 2006, first as a Kings County Civil Court Judge, and then, starting in 2011, as a Kings County Supreme Court Justice.  In or about January 2016, ASH was appointed as the presiding judge in the Kings County Supreme Court’s Commercial Division.  After the charges in this case were unsealed, ASH was suspended from her position.

ASH served on MCU’s Board from in or about May 2008 until on or about August 15, 2016, when she resigned.  From in or about May 2015 until her resignation, ASH served as the chair of the Board.  ASH resigned after a complaint was filed against her by the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct arising from a conflict of interest between her position as a state judge and her membership on MCU’s Board.  More than a year before her resignation, ASH had been instructed to resign from MCU’s Board by the Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics, which instruction she disregarded.

From at least in or about 2012 through 2016, while serving as an MCU Board member and while Wong was CEO, ASH received annually tens of thousands of dollars in reimbursements and other benefits from MCU, including airfare, hotels, food and entertainment expenses for her and a guest to attend conferences both domestically and abroad, annual birthday parties at a minor league baseball stadium, payment for phone and cable bills, and electronic devices.  Even after her resignation from the Board, Wong continued to provide or cause MCU to provide ASH with benefits, such as Apple devices and sports tickets.  As a sitting state judge, ASH was required to report both her board service and gifts and benefits she received from any outside sources on an annual state disclosure form.  But between at least 2012 and 2018, ASH never reported her board service nor any gifts or benefits from MCU.

ASH’s Obstruction of Justice

In January 2018, after Wong, MCU’s then-CEO, had been approached by federal law enforcement agents investigating apparent financial misconduct by Wong, in an attempt to protect Wong, ASH agreed to and did sign a false and misleading memorandum purporting to explain and justify millions of dollars Wong had received from MCU.  Wong subsequently provided that false and misleading memorandum to federal agents in an attempt to demonstrate that the millions of dollars had purportedly been orally approved for him to receive by ASH in June 2015, when she was chair of the Board.  However, in truth, neither ASH nor the Board had approved the payment of those funds.

On March 1, 2018, shortly after Wong was placed on administrative leave by MCU, ASH was interviewed about the memorandum she signed for Wong.  During that interview, ASH admitted that the memorandum was not accurate, but attempted to justify the money that Wong received by stating that MCU’s then-current general counsel had told her that Wong’s employment contract gave him the option of receiving such money.  That statement was false.

On March 13, 2018, ASH was served with a federal grand jury subpoena (the “First Subpoena”), which required the production of documents related to various matters, including Wong’s compensation, and any communications with Wong through the date of the First Subpoena.  On April 6, 2018, during a telephonic interview with a federal agent, ASH falsely stated that she did not have any materials responsive to the First Subpoena.

On June 8, 2018—after Wong was charged with embezzlement from MCU and the Government executed a judicially-authorized search of the residence of Guagliardo—ASH was interviewed by telephone for a second time about the First Subpoena.  During that interview, ASH again falsely stated that she did not have any materials responsive to the First Subpoena. 

On June 18, 2018, ASH was served with a second federal grand jury subpoena (the “Second Subpoena”), which required the production of, among other things, all correspondence with Wong and Guagliardo; all documents regarding any criminal investigation, internal investigation, or audit related to Wong; and all documents regarding items of value ASH received from MCU, Wong, or Guagliardo.  Shortly afterward, ASH went to an Apple store and wiped an iPhone X that Wong had provided her in January 2018.  In addition, ASH deleted emails from her Gmail account, including all of her emails with Guagliardo, none of which she produced in response to either of the two federal grand jury subpoenas directed to her.  ASH also later wiped two MCU-issued iPads she had received.

On July 6, 2018, on ASH’s behalf, her then-counsel produced materials to the Government in response to the Second Subpoena.  This production was materially incomplete, and did not contain text messages, emails, and other documents ASH possessed or had under her custody or control that were responsive to the Second Subpoena.

On July 9, 2018, ASH attended a voluntary interview with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  During this interview, while accompanied by her then-counsel, ASH made multiple false statements, including repeating false statements regarding her purported conversations with MCU’s former general counsel about Wong’s receipt of cash payments and falsely claiming that she and her aunt took a trip to Las Vegas paid for by MCU, including airfare, lodging, and entertainment expenses, after she resigned because all of her travel arrangements were paid for by MCU before she resigned, when in truth all of the expenses were paid for after she resigned.  

On or about October 11, 2019, ASH was arrested and her cellphone was seized.  After obtaining a judicially-authorized search warrant, ASH’s phone was searched, which revealed, among other things, numerous text messages, including with Wong and Guagliardo, that were concealed in response to the First and Second Subpoenas.

ASH, 64, of Brooklyn, New York, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison; one count of obstruction of justice, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and one count of making false statements, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.  The maximum potential penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as sentencing of the defendant will be determined by Judge Kaplan. 

On June 4, 2019, Wong was sentenced to 66 months in prison for embezzlement from MCU and was ordered to forfeit $9,890,375 and to pay restitution in the same amount to MCU.

On July 23, 2020, Guagliardo was sentenced to 27 months in prison for embezzlement from MCU and was ordered to forfeit $425,514 and to pay $468,189 in restitution to MCU. 

U.S. Attorney Williams praised the outstanding work of the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office.  Mr. Williams also thanked the New York County District Attorney’s Office and DFS for their assistance.

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - DECEMBER 13, 2021

62,934 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours    

46 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19. 

"The vaccine is the first and best line of defense we have against this virus," Governor Hochul said. "With the holiday travel season upon us and friends and family gathering together indoors, it's more important than ever that we stay vigilant and take the necessary precautions to keep ourselves and each other safe. Get the vaccine if you haven't already, get the booster if you have, and make sure your loved ones do the same." 

Today's data is summarized briefly below:  

• Test Results Reported - 179,704
• Total Positive - 8,993
• Percent Positive - 5.00%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 4.62%
• Patient Hospitalization - 3,683 (+109)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 445
• Patients in ICU - 736 (+43)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 399 (+11)
• Total Discharges - 220,524 (+330)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 46
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 47,183 
  
  The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.  
• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 59,990 
  
  
  This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.  
• Total vaccine doses administered - 31,361,706
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 62,934
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 846,658
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 86.8% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 79.0%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 93.4%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 82.0%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 75.4%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 67.9%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 81.0%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 70.4%

MAYOR DE BLASIO UNVEILS SECOND MONTHLY UPDATE ON NEW BLUEPRINT TO COMBAT EXTREME WEATHER IN NEW YORK CITY

 

New York City continues to put into action new strategies to guard against severe weather

 Mayor Bill de Blasio today released the second monthly update to “The New Normal: Combatting Storm-Related Extreme Weather in New York City,” a landmark report that provides New York City with a new blueprint to prepare for and respond to extreme weather. The report details the City’s efforts to assist New Yorkers still recovering from Ida, launch new infrastructure improvements, and protect residents in basement units.

A copy of the monthly update can be found here.  

 

“New York City is now on the path toward a safe, sustainable, resilient future for all,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We have the blueprint we need to plan for severe weather and we have the structures in place to immediately respond. We look forward to building on this progress to keep our city prepared for whatever comes next.” 

 

“We promised New Yorkers that we would protect them from the threat of severe weather and we’re delivering on that promise,” said Extreme Weather Coordinator, Deputy Mayor for Administration, and Chief of Staff Emma Wolfe. “Through targeted investments, better storm tracking, and new ways to get information to the public, we’re ensuring our residents are safe as we face this new reality and the impacts of climate change.” 

 

Key progress made in November includes relief sewer installation in Queens, which adds sewer capacity to existing sewer systems. Department of Environmental Protection has also begun a project to install 1,365 linear feet of storm sewer and 1,180 linear feet of water main in Jamaica at Hendrickson Place, 166^th St., and 108^th Ave. This relief sewer alongside the existing under-capacity storm sewer will alleviate flooding conditions and protect New Yorkers.

 

The City has also continued to help New Yorkers impacted by Hurricane Ida and repair Ida-affected homes. This support includes working with each homeowner to navigate the FEMA financial assistance applications, and connecting homeowners to a dedicated list of New York City plumbers and electricians who are prioritizing Ida-affected repairs. In some cases, when FEMA financial assistance has not covered the full cost of damages, the City is working on reimbursing homeowners for necessary repairs.  

 

Key progress in November also includes:

• $39 million of expense funding allocated as part of the November Financial plan to implement commitments in the New Normal report such as an expanded sensor network, a database of basement apartments, green infrastructure maintenance, and wetlands management staffing, which builds on $2.4 billion in funding that was included in the FY22 Capital Commitment Plan.

• 2 Community Driveways done, with 38 more planned in the next six months

• 10 new flood warning signs installed

• City agencies, led by the Department of Transportation, distributed more than 7,200 sandbags in 5 days

 

The $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIAJ) also allocates unprecedented federal funding to resiliency work nationwide, and the Administration expects these funds will advance numerous local adaptation needs. While the Administration continues to determine the level of funding available to New York City, we expect this funding to be available for projects including:

 

• Neighborhood cloudburst projects

• Tree planting

• Coastal protection

• Wetlands acquisition and restoration

• Neighborhood planning

• Climate science

• Transportation and transit projects

• Household weatherization improvements

• Lead water distribution service line replacement

 

“By prioritizing sustainability and resiliency efforts across every City agency, borough and neighborhood, New York City has been able to protect our city from the threat of extreme weather and the climate change crisis,” said Jainey Bavishi, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Climate Resiliency. “New York City is a global leader when it comes to planning for a future that involves living with the direct impacts of global warming. We’ve invested in our infrastructure, ramped up emergency communications plans, and launched new resiliency projects. We’re ready for what the future holds.” 

 

“Continuing to transform the city so it can withstand extreme weather requires a sustained commitment across all levels of government and following the steps laid out in this blueprint has put us in a more resilient position,” said NYC Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Vincent Sapienza. “Upgrading our sewer infrastructure where feasible and continuing to diversify our drainage toolbox, most recently with plans for large green medians, will help to prevent flooding and property damage while also improving the environment.”

 

“Our agency is steadfast in its commitment to making New York City a prepared and resilient city for all,” said NYC Emergency Management Acting Commissioner Andrew D’Amora. “We have updated the City’s flash flood emergency plan to align with other City planning efforts and continue to share messaging to warn New Yorkers of potential storm conditions. We are proud of the progress we have made with our partners to combat the dangers of extreme weather through these new programs and initiatives, and will continue to coordinate these efforts to ensure every community across the five boroughs is ready for any emergency that comes our way.”