We will replace water pipelines connecting Staten Island to Water Tunnel No. 2
Staten Island is currently served by the five-mile-long Richmond Tunnel, which connects the borough to Water Tunnel No. 2. Completed in 1970, the Richmond Tunnel tripled carrying capacity to Staten Island, increasing its water supply from 100 to 300 mgd.

Currently, two pipelines embedded into a trench in the Harbor provide redundancy for this tunnel. But by the end of 2007, the Army Corps of Engineers will be dredging the bottom of the waterway to create a deeper shipping channel-dislodging this backup system.

DEP will partner with the Army Corps to build a new 72-inch water main that will replace the pipes, ensuring a continued reliable water supply for Staten Island.

Progress (as of 4/22/08):
DEP has nearly completed design of the new tunnel to Staten Island. This tunnel will replace the current siphons displaced by the dredging of the harbor.