Jail Barge Removed To Make Way For Hunts Point Marine Terminal In The Bronx

 

The decommissioned Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center jail barge has been removed from its anchorage off the Hunts Point Peninsula in The Bronx, paving the way for the City’s construction of the Hunts Point Marine Terminal. Developed by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), the terminal will handle shipping containers and facilitate last-mile freight delivery via barges and ferries, reducing truck traffic on local streets.

The above rendering depicts the forthcoming terminal at the corner of the point, illustrating its proximity to the sprawling Fulton Fish Market structure. The jail facility formerly occupied the entire length of the port wall where the cargo barge is pictured.

Photograph of the Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center being tugged out of New York City. Credit: NYCEDC.

A component of Mayor Eric Adams’ “Hunts Point Forward” vision and the citywide “Blue Highways” Action Plan, the Hunts Point Marine Terminal project is projected to generate $3.9 billion in economic impact over 30 years and create 400 construction jobs and 100 permanent jobs. The terminal will also serve as a node in the broader Blue Highways network, connecting with ports across the East Coast.

As part of the redevelopment, NYCEDC will invest $28.3 million in shoreline infrastructure upgrades at the former VCBC site and the adjacent DSNY South Bronx Marine Transfer Station. The marine terminal will be located next to the Blue Highways facility announced earlier this year in partnership with Con Agg Global, situated near the Fulton Fish Market within the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center. These developments support the City’s long-term goals for improving freight mobility, reducing emissions, and enhancing community access to the waterfront.

“Today is a new day for the Hunts Point peninsula as we finally remove the Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center, a jail barge that has long overstayed on our city’s waterfront,” said NYCEDC president and CEO Andrew Kimball. “This celebratory moment is a win for the Hunts Point community, for Mayor Adams who put forth a bold vision in the ‘Hunts Point Forward’ plan, and for New York City as we can work on the next step towards making the Hunts Point Marine Terminal a reality while building on the Blue Highways Action Plan.”

The City will receive $1.5 million in compensation for the removal of the five-story floating jail.

DHS Announces Advanced Charging Authority to Address Rioter Violence at Federal Buildings, Protecting Law Enforcement and Taxpayer Property

The accelerated effective date of the regulation titled Protection of Federal Property will address a recent surge in violence at federal facilities 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Protective Services (FPS) announced the accelerated implementation of the Regulations Governing Conduct on Federal Property. The new regulations provide FPS charging authority to correlate with DHS 40 U.S.C. §1315 enforcement authority and are an essential tool in addressing the recent surge in violence at DHS facilities.   

The new regulations, 6 C.F.R. Part 139, initially scheduled to take effect January 1, 2026, will instead go into effect November 5, 2025 to address a recent surge in security and public safety threats. Additionally, FPS has provided recommended updated collateral fee schedules to allow U.S. District Courts to set fines to reflect the serious nature of the prohibited conduct. A violation of 6 C.F.R. Part 139 is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable up to 30 days in jail, a fine up to $5000, or both. 

Key Highlights: 

• Expanded Charging Authority: FPS now has enhanced charging authority to address violations occurring both on and off property to the extent it affects federal property and the persons thereon.
• Modernized Prohibited Conduct: Regulates the unauthorized use of unmanned aircraft systems (drones), tampering with digital networks, and other security risks at and near federal facilities.
• Additional Prohibited Conduct: Adds additional charges for conduct affecting the safety, security, and orderly government functions on federal property.
• Clearer Public Notice: Standardized notices governing conduct will be posted at federal facilities.
• Collaboration with Stakeholders: The regulation emphasizes cooperation among federal tenants, security personnel, and local law enforcement. 

Examples of the violations, which may be charged both on and off federal property:  

• Disorderly conduct;
• Wearing a mask or hood that conceals identity while committing a crime;
• Obstructing access to federal property;
• Impeding the performance of official duties of Federal employees;
• Threatening to commit any crime of violence;
• Tampering with Government IT systems (including card readers);
• Creating any hazard or threat of hazard on Federal property to persons or things; and
• Causing an unmanned aircraft or system to take off, land, or damage federal property. 

“DHS is using every tool possible to protect the lives of our law enforcement as they face a surge in violence and lawlessness at many of our federal facilities. We’ve seen rampant violence against law enforcement including our officers shot at, rammed by vehicles, assaulted and threatened,” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said. “Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, we will not tolerate violence perpetuated by Antifa and other domestic extremists who are targeting federal property and law enforcement. Law and order will prevail.” 

Some of the recent violence at DHS facilities include a domestic terrorist in September with “ANTI-ICE” inscribed on ammunition who opened fire on an ICE field office in an attack targeted at ICE personnel. Two detainees were killed in the shooting. 

In July, a group of left-wing extremists coordinated an ambush on the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas. The attackers stormed the facility and used fireworks as weapons. As law enforcement responded, other attackers hiding nearby opened gunfire, shooting a police officer in the neck and wounding him.

Fiber Laser Expert Convicted by Federal Jury of Economic Espionage and Theft of Trade Secrets

 

Ji Wang Sought to Use Information to Start Business in China

A federal jury has convicted Ji Wang, 63, of Painted Post, N.Y., of two counts of economic espionage, one count of theft of trade secrets, one count of attempted economic espionage, and one count of attempted theft of trade secrets.  Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, together with U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo for the Western District of New York, announced the verdict.

“A federal jury found Wang guilty of stealing sensitive defense research from his employer and attempting to use it to pursue personal profit at the expense our national security,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “We are committed to combating economic espionage and holding accountable those who disregard our export-control laws and the security of U.S. technology. This verdict reaffirms that such betrayals of trust will not go unpunished.”

“This conviction demonstrates the importance of protecting trade secrets developed in the United States, especially those with military applications,” said U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “My office will continue pursue and prosecute those that steal such information.”

Wang was born in China and immigrated to the United States in 1998 to work for Corning Incorporated.  Between 2002 and 2007, Wang was assigned to work on a joint research and development project funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (“DARPA”) and Corning.  The goal of the 5-year, $11.4 million project was to develop optical fibers for high-powered lasers with military and commercial applications.  DARPA and Corning aimed to increase the power of fiber lasers by more than a factor of 1000.  DARPA sought to develop this technology to create laser weapons capable of shooting down drones and missiles.

On or about July 1, 2016, Wang stole hundreds of files that contained non-public data generated during the DARPA project, including trade-secret manufacturing technology that would have enabled him to fabricate all manner of specialty optical fibers, including for fiber lasers.

Ten days before Wang stole the trade secret files, he had applied for China’s Thousand Talents Plan Award.  The Thousand Talents Plan Award was an initiative by the Chinese government aimed at people who were born in China and immigrated to the United States, to study or work in science and technology fields.  The Thousand Talents Plan Award incentivized these people to return to China by promising millions of dollars of investment to award recipients who returned to China.  Two months after Wang stole the trade secret files, he was selected to receive a Thousand Talents Plan Award.

Wang was negotiating with Chinese government entities to start a specialty fiber business in China from at least 2014 through 2017.  Wang was negotiating to receive tens of millions of dollars in investment from Chinese government entities, who would have been shareholders in his new venture.  Wang’s business plans showed that he was planning to use the stolen trade-secret files to start this business in China. Wang’s business plans also touted the military applications of the technology.  In one such business plan, which Wang submitted to a Chinese government entity, he advertised that specialty fibers “can also be installed on military vehicles,” including “tanks.”  Wang claimed that such use of the technology on military vehicles could “be key to deciding victory or defeat.”  Ultimately, law enforcement disrupted Wang’s efforts before he was able to start a new business and exploit the technology he stole.

“Mr. Wang stole sensitive technology that Corning, Inc. and DARPA spent millions of dollars developing so he could line his own pockets and help our adversaries undermine U.S. national security,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. “For years, China’s government has waged a vast economic espionage campaign designed to put our nation at risk and American companies out of business. This conviction makes clear that the FBI and our partners will continue to hold accountable anyone looking to steal U.S. innovation for our enemies.” 

“The Bureau of Industry and Security remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement and industry partners to prevent the unlawful transfer of sensitive technologies,” said Jonathan Carson, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement.

The verdict is the result of an investigation by Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, acting under the direction of Special Agent In-Charge Philip Tejera, and Special Agents of the Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office acting under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Carson. Additional assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations in Detroit, Michigan.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meghan K. McGuire of the Western District of New York and Trial Attorneys Nicholas Hunter and Brendan Geary of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the National Security Division.

Economic espionage carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and theft of trade secrets carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.  Sentencing is scheduled for April 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr., who presided over the trial.

Inmate Pleads Guilty to Assault on Corrections Officers

 

Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy Committed Assault While Serving Sentence for Plotting a Terrorist Attack on New York City

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and the National Security Division of the Department of Justice announced that Abdulrahman El Bahnasawy, 27, of Ontario, Canada, pleaded guilty to offenses related to a 2020 attack on correctional officers at the United State Penitentiary Allenwood.

According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller and Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, Bahnasawy was an inmate at USP Allenwood who, on December 7, 2020, attacked two corrections officers using a weapon made from part of a steel desk in his cell.  Bahnasawy stabbed one officer in the head and face, and, when a second responded to assist, Bahnasawy stabbed her in the hand.  

The first officer eventually lost his right eye as a result of the attack.  When Bahnasawy was restrained, a note was found in his sock that read, “This is a terrorist attack for the Islamic State.”  A pledge of allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) was also found taped to the inside of a locker door in Bahnasawy’s prison cell.  Today, Bahnasawy pleaded guilty to multiple counts of assault, assault with intent to commit murder and possession of contraband inside a prison, as well as providing material support to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization. 

At the time of the attacks at USP Allenwood, Bahnasawy was serving a sentence for his role in plotting a mass-casualty terrorist attack in New York City on behalf of ISIS.  Bahnasawy, a then-20-year-old Canadian citizen and resident, plotted with Talha Haroon and Russell Salic to conduct bombings and shootings in heavily populated areas of New York City during the Islamic holy month of Ramadhan in 2016, all in the name of ISIS.   

An undercover FBI agent (UC) infiltrated the co-conspirators’ terrorist plot, posing as an ISIS supporter prepared to join in the attacks.  The FBI arrested Bahnasawy in May 2016 after he traveled from Canada to the New York City area in preparation for the attacks, and he has been in custody since that time.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey MacArthur and Counterterrorism Section Trial Attorney Jessica L. Joyce prosecuted this case.

The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 130 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

Former CEO And Board Chairman Charged With Fraud Scheme Directed At Public Company

 

Bradley Heppner Obtained More Than $150 Million Through Fraud on GWG

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Christopher G. Raia, announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging BRADLEY HEPPNER, the founder of Beneficient, with securities fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud, false statements to auditors, and falsification of records. The charges in the Indictment arise from an alleged scheme by HEPPNER and others to fraudulently extract funds from GWG Holdings, Inc., a publicly traded company for which HEPPNER served as chairman, through the use of a shell company he controlled, the Highland Consolidated Limited Partnership (“HCLP”). HEPPNER was arrested this morning in Dallas, Texas, and will be presented tomorrow in the Northern District of Texas. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff.  

As alleged, Heppner abused his role as a public company executive to loot the company and to funnel money into his own pockets,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “When executives like Heppner lie and cheat to enrich themselves at the expense of everyday investors, they corrupt the integrity of our public markets. The women and men of the SDNY and our law enforcement partners will continue to work tirelessly to protect investors and the markets.” 

“While serving as chairman of GWG, a publicly traded company, Bradley Heppner allegedly misappropriated more than $150 million. In furtherance of this scheme, Heppner allegedly falsified documents, made misleading statements to investors and auditors, and obstructed an investigation by regulatory authorities. GWG’s subsequent bankruptcy resulted in over $1 billion in losses to retail investors. The FBI will continue to hold accountable any individual who defrauds investors for their own gain,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia.

As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:

BRADLEY HEPPNER was the founder of Beneficient, a financial services startup. HCLP was a shell company that HEPPNER also controlled. In order to obtain a payout for himself, HEPPNER created a $141 million debt that Beneficient purportedly owed to HCLP. Over time, HEPPNER gained control and influence over GWG Holdings, Inc., a Nasdaq-listed financial services company. GWG historically raised capital through bonds—called L bonds—sold to retail investors, predominately retirees seeking income-generating investments. HEPPNER installed himself as chairman of GWG’s board of directors and appointed his friends and associates as GWG’s board members.

Between 2018 and 2021, HEPPNER made false and misleading statements to a special committee of GWG’s board to induce them to authorize investments by GWG in Beneficient, in part to pay off the debt Beneficient purportedly owed to HCLP. When the special committee inquired about who controlled HCLP, HEPPNER represented that HCLP was independent, disclaimed influence over it, and denied that he would personally receive the payments on the purported debt. Those representations were false and misleading. HCLP was controlled by HEPPNER. And when GWG authorized payments to satisfy what it believed were arm’s length debts owed to a third-party lender, those funds flowed through multiple corporate entities and ultimately to HEPPNER’s personal accounts. Beneficient received at least approximately $300 million from GWG. And HEPPNER received more than $150 million of these GWG funds through his HCLP entity. HEPPNER used the funds he received from GWG for personal expenses, including to fund his lifestyle and to renovate his Dallas mansion and improve his East Texas ranch.

In addition, in or about 2019, HEPPNER made false and misleading statements and prepared false documents to deceive Beneficient’s auditors in connection with the preparation of Beneficient’s and GWG’s audit. As a publicly held company, GWG was required to report to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission its quarterly and annual financial statements, and to have its annual financial statements audited by independent certified public accounts. By the end of 2018, because GWG held a large interest in Beneficient, Beneficient’s audit was required to be incorporated into GWG’s annual SEC filings. As part of this audit, Beneficient’s auditors considered whether HCLP was independent of HEPPNER, and whether one of the friends HEPPNER had installed to run HCLP was also independent. Because neither was true, HEPPNER prepared, and directed others to prepare, backdated paperwork, misleading letters, and fraudulent emails, which were sent to the auditors and were material to the auditors’ accounting determinations.

In late 2020, GWG received a subpoena from the SEC in connection with an ongoing enforcement investigation of GWG and Beneficient. HEPPNER falsified minutes from an October 2019 board meeting by adding language to the minutes to make it appear that HEPPNER had disclosed to Beneficient his history of borrowing money from HCLP. In truth, HEPPNER had never disclosed this information to GWG or Beneficient. HEPPNER later caused the falsified Board minutes to be sent to the SEC.

In June 2021, HEPPNER resigned from his position on GWG’s board, and by the end of 2021, HEPPNER had separated Beneficient from GWG. Thereafter, GWG filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, unable to satisfy more than one billion in obligations to tens of thousands of retail bondholders.

HEPPNER, 59, of Dallas, Texas, is charged with securities fraud, wire fraud, false statements to auditors, and falsification of records, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. HEPPNER is also charged with conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI. Mr. Clayton also expressed appreciation for the assistance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

This case is being handled by SDNY’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Burnett, Daniel G. Nessim, and Alexandra Rothman are in charge of the prosecution.

Statement from NYC Comptroller Lander on Starbucks Baristas Strike Authorization

 

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander released a statement following the approved unfair labor practice (ULP) strike by Starbucks Workers United baristas. Comptroller Lander and other investors recently sent a letter to the Starbucks Board of Directors raising concerns about stalled negotiations with their unionized workforce. The strike would impact more than 600 locations across the country.

“As a long-term shareholder, my office implores Starbucks to restart negotiations and promptly reach a contract with its unionized baristas. Despite almost four years since the first successful unionization election, despite our 2023 shareholder resolution which garnered a majority vote of the company’s investors and its own stated intention announced with fanfare in 2024, Starbucks has failed to reach a first agreement with Starbucks Workers United. The company is failing to live up to its own policies and commitment to the collective bargaining rights of its workers.

“A strike will only magnify the concerns investors have raised about deteriorating labor relations at the company. Starbucks cannot focus on improvements to its beverage menu and ignore the concerns expressed by its baristas. Heading into the holiday season, Starbucks must offer something better than a Peppermint Mocha or an Iced Gingerbread Chai; it must address the breakdown in negotiations and find a productive way forward to a fair first contract with its workers.”

City Council District 13 - Veterans Day! | ASPAC Free Vaccination ! | Catalytic Converter Etching Event!

 

Latest News from Councilwoman Marmorato!

Dear Neighbors,

We distributed fresh produce and hot meals to our friends and families at RAIN Middletown, Brady Court Community Center, and RAIN Boston Rd.

In response to the government shutdown and the temporary delay of SNAP benefits, I organized an emergency produce and shelf-stable goods giveaway at my office this past Saturday. My mission has always been to support our community in every way possible. During times of uncertainty, I want to ensure that our neighbors have a representative who stands up for them and their needs. 

In this week’s newsletter, you’ll find highlights from last week’s district events, along with information about what’s happening in our community and the city, plus details on exciting upcoming events we have planned for you.

*We’re testing some changes to the structure of our newsletter! In the upcoming editions, we’ll be introducing more information and making a few layout adjustments. Please let us know your thoughts on these changes when you see them — we always welcome your feedback!*

It is an honor to represent you in the New York City Council and to continue working to keep our community safe, happy, healthy, and prosperous!

Sincerely,

Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato

District 13, Bronx

PAST WEEK'S FOOD GIVEAWAYS 

This past week, we had the privilege of serving our community through multiple produce and meal giveaways.



In response to the government shutdown and the temporary delay of SNAP benefits, I organized a produce and shelf-stable goods giveaway at our office this past Saturday. It was inspiring to see so many of you here.

My job is to serve, protect, and support our community in every moment of need. I am incredibly proud of the work we do together to uplift one another, and I want you to know that I will always be here to support you however I can.

What's Happening in D13?

NOVEMBER'S UPCOMING EVENTS

VETERANS DAY BREAKFASTS!

WE WILL BE CLOSED ON NOVEMBER 11! In observance of Veterans Day, our office will be closed this November 11, 2025. But don’t worry, we’ll be back the next day, business as usual! Please remember that most public schools are also closed. DOGS & CATS VACCINATIONS EVENT CATALYTIC CONVERTER ETCHING EVENT UPCOMING FOOD AND MEAL DISTRIBUTION We’re hosting fresh produce and meal giveaways over the next few days! Below is some information on the dates and the organizations we’re partnering with. For details on the exact time and location of each food or produce distribution, please contact the organizations directly. We hope this information is useful and makes it easier for you to access these resources! Important Update for Homeowners: NYC Garbage Bin Refunds! VETERANS SERVICES SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS Let us Know! Illegal Smoke Shops Please let us know about illegal and unlicensed smoke shops operating within District 13! FORM LINK Your Feedback on E-Scooters Matters! Report E-Scooters that are blocking sidewalks, fire hydrants, ADA-accessible entrances, or creating any other hazardous conditions in our community. Reach out to us at district13@council.nyc.gov Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato   718-931-1721 District13@council.nyc.gov

DEC Provides Update on Drought Conditions

 

21 Counties Changed from Drought Warning to Drought Watch; Total Counties in Drought Watch Now at 56

View Map of New York State Drought Conditions 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that 21 counties moved from Drought Warning to Drought Watch due to several weeks of consistent rainfall and improving levels of streamflow and ground water. Counties moved to drought watch are Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Clinton, Erie, Essex, Franklin, Genesee, Hamilton, northern Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence, Steuben, Warren, and Wayne. There are now 56 counties in drought watch across New York State. 

“Thankfully, rain is providing communities across the state with some needed relief, resulting in downgrading from warning to watch in the Adirondacks, Southern Tier, and Great Lakes-area counties,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “While recent rainfall improved dry conditions for many counties in New York, drought watch remains in effect for much of the State and New Yorkers are asked to continue water conservation efforts. DEC experts continue to monitor conditions and coordinate closely with the Drought Management Task Force to issue recommendations that help protect our water supplies.” 

Observed precipitation over the past 90 days has improved but remains less than normal across virtually the entire state. Observed precipitation deficits across the state range from two to seven inches. Stream flows and groundwater levels are gradually improving. The National Weather Service’s near-term forecast suggests that normal or even slightly wet precipitation patterns can be expected over the next month. 

There are four levels of State drought advisories: watch, warning, emergency, and disaster. Under a drought watch, there are no statewide mandatory water use restrictions in place, but residents are strongly encouraged to voluntarily conserve water. Local public water suppliers may require conservation measures, depending upon local needs and conditions.

New Yorkers are urged to continue conserving water as 56 counties are in drought watch. Property owners in affected counties, particularly those dependent on private groundwater wells, are encouraged to help prevent worsening conditions during the coming weeks by following tips to reduce water use whenever possible. 

To protect water resources, New Yorkers are encouraged to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use. For water saving tips, visit DEC's Water Use and Conservation webpage. For more information about drought in New York, visit DEC’s website. 

State Drought Index

Drought watches and warnings are triggered by the State Drought Index, which reflects precipitation levels, reservoir and lake levels, and stream flow and groundwater levels in the nine drought regions of the state. Each of these indicators is assigned a weighted value based on its significance to various uses in a region. The State Drought Index is attuned to the specific attributes of New York and may differ moderately from some national technical drought assessments.

DEC and the U.S. Geological Survey are partners in evaluating hydrologic conditions across New York State. In addition, DEC supports efforts by local governments and stakeholders to undertake water conservation measures based on specific local circumstances. 

Drought Preparedness

In New York, drought status determinations are based on a State Drought Index that uses New York State specific attributes, so it may differ somewhat from national drought assessments. In addition, local conditions may vary, so some areas of the state may make their own determinations of drought stage using locally-focused criteria. DEC supports efforts by local governments and stakeholders to undertake water conservation measures based on specific circumstances. 

Drought preparedness includes monitoring and evaluation of climatological and conditions for early awareness of a potential drought and the implementation of short- and long-term options for programs and projects to minimize drought impacts. 

Certain sectors have the potential to be impacted by drought conditions, including water supply, agriculture, ecosystems, navigation and transportation, energy and manufacturing, and planning and preparedness. 

The State’s Drought Management Task Force monitors drought conditions, communicates information, and coordinates with affected communities. The Task Force is governed by the State Drought Management Coordination Annex, which focuses on research, monitoring and possible legislative actions to help prevent and mitigate impacts from droughts. Task Force members include DEC, New York State Office of Emergency Management, Department of Health, Department of Agriculture and Markets, Canal Authority, Thruway Authority, and New York Power Authority. With this coordinated preparedness and response effort, the impact of drought conditions on communities and commerce can be reduced. 

Know Your Water

The public can contact their local water system for information about drought preparedness, impacts, and response notices and activities. Additional tips for the public on water conservation can also be found in each water systems Annual Water Quality Report (AWQR). Water system contact information and AWQR can be accessed using the Know Your NY Water website or water systems own websites. Fire departments should check that their sources have adequate supply and that the intakes for dry hydrants are sufficiently submerged. 

Support for Farmers

It is recommended that on-farm water supplies are monitored regularly, and concerns are communicated with county emergency management and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The Cornell Cooperative Extension Disaster Education Network and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets offer additional resources and local support. 

Private Water Well Assistance and Dry Water Well Reporting

For assistance with water wells that may be affected by drought:

• Report a dry water well using the Dry Water Well Reporting Form 
• Contact a registered water well contractor to discuss appropriate options for individual needs.
• Check that the well is dry due to drought and no other issues. Sometimes the solution is quite simple, like a broken valve or electrical issue. The only way to definitively tell if a well is dry is to measure the water level in the well.
• Conserve water year-round to help prevent the effects of drought on water wells.
• Consider adding a water storage tank to help get through dry periods.
• Clean or redevelop existing wells.
• Deepen existing wells or drill a new well. If drilling a new well, properly decommission the old well to protect groundwater quality.  

For more information and resources about drought, visit DEC’s website.