PHOTO: Free rain barrels will be distributed this Sunday, Aug. 9, at the Broad Channel American Legion Hall. Photo Courtesy of NYC Water
Two area elected officials, along with the city Department of Environmental Protection, are sponsoring a rain barrel giveaway this Sunday, Aug. 9, in Broad Channel.
Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Howard Beach) and state Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) on Tuesday announced the free event that will take from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Broad Channel American Legion Hall at 209 Cross Bay Blvd. The giveaway is part of a DEP citywide program started in 2008 to distribute 60-gallon water barrels free of charge to homeowners.
“Rain barrels are a great way for families to reduce their water usage. Not only does this translate into real savings on monthly water bills, it also helps protect our sewer system and reduce street flooding,” Goldfeder said. “I’m pleased to partner with Senator Addabbo and the Department of Environmental Protection in hosting this giveaway. I encourage everyone to stop by and take advantage.”
According to the DEP website, the barrels can be used to capture and manage water runoff during rain storms. This can help prevent the city’s sewer system from being overwhelmed by heavy rains, which leads to street flooding and pollution. The program also helps homeowners reduce costs on their water and sewer-usage bills by capturing rain water for use in gardens and yards, or for washing cars.
“I commend the NYC DEP for continuing to expand its rain barrel initiative, by providing free rain barrels to our constituents,” Addabbo said. “This environmentally positive event will take place in one of the most environmentally minded communities in my district—Broad Channel. I look forward to working with our governmental agencies and my good colleagues, such as Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder, in bringing our constituents the resources needed to protect and improve our surroundings.”
The giveaway follows a recent decision by the city Water Board to raise water rates by 2.97 percent beginning July 1. The increase in charges will go towards capital and operating expenses for the city’s water system, DEP reports.
At Sunday’s event, approximately 240 rain barrels will be provided. In order to claim a barrel, homeowners are required to pre-register by visiting FreeRainBarrelEvent.com. Anyone with questions regarding the event is encouraged to contact either Assemblyman Goldfeder’s office at (718) 945-9550 or Senator Addabbo’s office at (718) 738-1111.
By Forum Staff
