New York City has begun construction on a $35.7 million project to reduce flooding in Harlem and East Harlem by improving stormwater management in northern Central Park and conserving drinking water.

The North End Recirculation Project will connect and recirculate water among the Harlem Meer, the Loch and the Pool while creating additional capacity to capture rainfall during major storms. Before a storm, the system will lower the Meer’s water level to accommodate incoming runoff. Once conditions normalize, regular water circulation will resume.

The system will manage stormwater across a 204-acre park watershed and is expected to keep approximately 132 million gallons of water out of city sewers annually, reducing stormwater flows to the sewer system by 90%. It is also projected to conserve approximately 175 million gallons of potable water annually by reducing the park’s reliance on the city’s drinking water supply.

The project is funded through city, state and private contributions, including more than $19.6 million in New York City capital funding and a $10 million Green Resiliency Grant from the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation. The grant is funded through the state’s 2022 Environmental Bond Act.

Additional benefits include improved water quality in the three park water bodies and reduced harmful algal blooms. The project is expected to be completed in fall 2028.