A commission formed to examine ways to guard against damage from future storms is calling for major upgrades.
A number of ideas from the NYS 2100 commission have already been raised including flood walls in subways, water pumps at airports, floodgates for tunnels and sea barriers along the coast.
The 205-page report also suggests a rapid bus network to relieve congestion in lower Manhattan and allow exits to other boroughs without subways.
A fuel depot in the state was also proposed, along with a network of safe havens with generators, including government buildings and private ones willing to help in exchange for support.
The commission recommends public-private partnerships to help pay for upgrades.