Officials break ground on $1.6 billion Gowanus Canal project

The $1.6 billion project is expected to upgrade the Gowanus Canal with new public space and a system to prevent sewage overflow.

News 12 Staff

Mar 15, 2023, 5:12 PM

Updated 547 days ago

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A new announcement made by city officials Wednesday may make the Gowanus Canal the latest waterfront hotspot in New York City.
Mayor Eric Adams and Environmental Protection Agency officials broke ground on a $1.6 billion project. Its purpose is to completely transform the Gowanus Canal with new public space and a system to prevent sewage overflow.
The mayor shared details of the waterfront spaces, highlighting massive underground storage tanks that will prevent 12 million gallons of sewer overflow during rainstorms as well as keep the canal cleaner.
The first tank, which is what they broke ground on Wednesday, will be so large it will occupy a two-block space from Butler to Degraw streets.
For those concerned about the smell, Mayor Adams said there will be a headhouse for the electrical system and odor control equipment
The mayor added he wants the Gowanus to be clean enough for dolphins to swim, referencing the dolphin sightings in the Bronx River.