Rep. Ritchie Torres and Billion Oyster Project Announce $833,000 for Construction of Oyster Reef in Hudson River

Resources / In the News Share on Rep. Ritchie Torres and Billion Oyster Project Announce $833,000 for Construction of Oyster Reef in Hudson River Jun 15, 2026 In the News BRONX, NY — Today, Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15) and the Billion Oyster Project announced an $833,000 federal investment secured by Rep. Torres to construct a large-scale oyster reef in the Hudson River, restoring marine habitat, improving water quality, and expanding STEM learning opportunities for students in the Bronx. The Congressman was joined by Steven Allen , a Bronx resident and alumnus of the New York Harbor School who is currently attending community college in the Bronx, as well as Pete Malinowski , President and CEO of the Billion Oyster Project . The Hudson River was once home to one of the largest oyster populations on earth, serving as a natural filtration system that kept the river clean for generations. This investment will fund the construction of a reef designed to bring that ecosystem back, harnessing the ability of oysters to remove pollutants and rebuild the underwater habitat that fish and other marine species depend on. The project will also serve as a living classroom. Students across NY-15 will have direct access to the restoration work happening in the river, gaining hands-on exposure to marine biology, ecology, and conservation that can spark lasting interest in science and environmental careers. “We are living in a time of historic comebacks. The Knicks is a great comeback story. The Bronx is a great comeback story. And we’re here to celebrate a third comeback story, one that is often overlooked: the restoration of the New York Harbor and the Lower Hudson River,” said Rep. Torres . “I’m proud to announce that I’m partnering with the Billion Oyster Project to invest $833,000 in federal funds in the Hudson Oyster Project which is about restoring oysters that will keep the Hudson River clean and healthy.” Pete Malinowski grew up farming oysters with his parents and siblings on the Fishers Island Oyster Farm. His passion for the environment and education led him to the New York Harbor School, where he founded the school’s Aquaculture and Oyster Restoration Programs and spent five years as a teacher. This work at Harbor School led to the development of Billion Oyster Project in 2014. Pete spends as much of his free time as possible on the water or in the woods with his three children Adrian, Maxwell and Daisy. The $833,000 project was funded through the Community Project Funding process, which enables Members of Congress to direct federal resources to local projects that advance equity and community well-being. ### Share on