“I understand that some residents of Midland Beach have been skeptical that the Bluebelt would ever be built, but with the progress made in Phase 1, they should all be believers by now,” said BP Oddo. “We know from experience the overwhelmingly positive effects of the Bluebelt on the South Shore to provide relief from some of the flooding that plagues the community, and we look forward to similar impacts in the Mid-Island.”
"We are very excited to be nearing completion on the first phase of the mid-Island Bluebelt system, which will significantly improve the area's drainage system, help to reduce flooding and provide some relief to Midland Beach residents," said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Vincent Sapienza. "The 67 Bluebelt wetlands we have built and maintain on the Island's South Shore have proven effective at managing stormwater and have even helped to raise nearby property values."
This is the first two of what will eventually be 19 Bluebelt Wetlands. The project was jointly funded by DEP and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.