Construction has started on a long-awaited "green roof" project at Binghamton City Hall.

Plans call for 22,500 square feet of vegetated roof and the installation of eight stormwater planters.

The green roof initiative is expected to cost $2.1 million.

The roof system is to absorb, store and evaporate rainfall. It's expected to eliminate 325,000 gallons of stormwater runoff annually. That will reduce the runoff that winds up going into storm sewers and into the city's rivers.

In a statement released Wednesday, Mayor Richard David said the project demonstrates "progress in sustainability, resiliency and innovation."

David proposed the project in a State of the City address more than three years ago.

The city council chambers are to be closed for two months while construction work is underway.

A view of the ceiling in the Binghamton city council chambers on March 9, 2020. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
A view of the ceiling in the Binghamton city council chambers on March 9, 2020. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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