Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $15 million in federal funding to replace the 121-year-old Grand Street Bridge in Brooklyn, which had been severely damaged during Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The bridge will be replaced with a new structure that will have elevated electrical and mechanical equipment, which will be resilient against water damage from future anticipated sea level and storm surges, and feature standard width lanes, separated cycling infrastructure and wider walking paths. In 2023, Gillibrand sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation in support of this project. The funding comes from the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT) Grant program, which was funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law.
“The Grand Street Bridge in Brooklyn has served Brooklyn and Queens for over a century, carrying more than 10,000 vehicles every day. Unfortunately, Superstorm Sandy inflicted serious damage to this vital conduit, making its replacement absolutely critical,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am proud to deliver this $15 million in funding to replace the Grand Street Bridge and strengthen the infrastructure of New York City. This new bridge will get our workers to their jobs, get our kids to school, and help the New York economy remain the strongest it can be.”