New York Advances New Stormwater Bill to Help Communities Prepare for Flooding

New York advances the Rain Ready Act to help local communities manage stormwater and prepare for increasingly severe flooding.

• By Stasia DeMarco
• Apr 17, 2025

As extreme weather events become more frequent across North America, governments are working to strengthen community resilience. In New York, the State Senate recently passed the Rain Ready New York Act, a bill aimed at helping local water and sewer authorities better manage flooding and stormwater during major rain events.

The legislation, sponsored by Senator Rachel May and led in the Assembly by Assemblymember Nily Rozic, would provide municipal agencies with the authority to invest in infrastructure upgrades, manage runoff from urban development, and implement long-term strategies to reduce the impact of future storms.

“We’re seeing heavier rainfall and more flooding in every part of the state,” said Senator May. “This bill gives local officials the tools they need to adapt and protect public safety.”
Addressing a Growing Challenge

Across the continent, cities and towns are grappling with outdated infrastructure that was never designed for today’s climate conditions. The Rain Ready legislation focuses on stormwater management — the systems that handle rain and melting snow — which plays a critical role in:

• Preventing floods in residential areas and on roads
• Protecting public health and safety during storm events
• Reducing pollution entering rivers, lakes, and coastal waters
• Upgrading old systems to withstand more intense weather

Assemblymember Rozic noted the need for action:

“Many communities face recurring flood damage but lack the authority to proactively address the problem. This bill empowers them to act now.”

Supported by Environmental and Infrastructure Advocates

Organizations working on water quality, climate resilience, and urban planning have voiced support for the measure. Groups including Riverkeeper, the Rise to Resilience Coalition, and the Waterfront Alliance see the bill as a crucial step toward modernizing how stormwater is managed.

“This legislation supports cleaner water and stronger communities,” said Jeremy Cherson of Riverkeeper. “It’s a forward-looking policy that reflects the challenges we face today.”

What Happens Next?

With Senate approval in place, the bill now heads to the New York State Assembly. If passed, it will be sent to the governor for final consideration.

While designed for New York, the Rain Ready model may serve as a framework for other regions seeking to prepare for increasingly intense storms, reduce flood damage, and build more resilient infrastructure.