New York is expanding and modernizing stream gauges across the state in an effort to improve flood forecasts, emergency response and long-term infrastructure planning.
The FloodSafe NY partnership between the state Department of Environmental Conservation and U.S. Geological Survey will build what Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office described as the nation’s first statewide hydrologic monitoring network of its kind.
Network will add real-time river data
DEC will contract with the USGS to expand the existing stream-gauge system and modernize older equipment. The network will provide near-real-time information about rivers and streams, helping communities identify flood patterns and respond earlier when water rises.
Existing gauges will receive cameras, backup data transmission and two-way telemetry. New gauges will be placed in high-priority flood-warning locations, while lower-cost virtual gauges will be used in areas where water data is limited.
USGS New York Water Science Center Director Rob Breault said the state will pair gauge readings with a model calibrated to significant streams statewide. That combination is intended to improve predictive warnings and provide a foundation for drought, water-quality and resource-management decisions.
Hochul said more frequent and intense flooding has increased the need for resilient infrastructure. DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said the system is designed to give flood-prone municipalities better information without increasing local costs.
Data will guide infrastructure and drought planning
The state said the network will support more than emergency flood warnings. Officials expect it to help monitor drought, protect clean-water supplies, shape water policy and inform economic-development and infrastructure decisions.
FloodSafe NY will also support DEC’s Resilient NY stream-study program. Higher-resolution readings can help the state prioritize watersheds, prepare new flood studies and create inundation maps identifying areas at greater risk as weather patterns change.
Local governments could use those maps and trend data when deciding where to reinforce infrastructure, restore natural drainage or change emergency plans. The state did not provide a timetable for completing the full network in its announcement.
Funding will come from the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act and USGS cooperative matching funds.
Initiative joins broader flood investments
Earlier this year, the state announced nearly $100 million for nature-based and green infrastructure projects intended to reduce flood risk. The Resilient Watersheds Grant Program is managed by DEC and the Environmental Facilities Corporation, while the Department of State administers Community Resilience and Flood Risk Reduction grants.
State officials said Environmental Bond Act money is supporting more than 1,000 projects, including green roofs, permeable pavement and restoration of natural habitats that absorb stormwater.
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said the network should give municipalities information needed to prepare for stronger storms and make infrastructure investments before disasters occur. U.S. Rep. George Latimer said the project could help communities choose mitigation measures for neighborhoods already vulnerable to flooding.
FloodSafe NY was first proposed in Hochul’s 2026 State of the State agenda. DEC and USGS will oversee the network’s expansion and operation.
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