STATEMENT OF MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG ON PASSING OF FORMER DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION COMMISSIONER JOEL A. MIELE, SR.
"Today, we mourn the passing of Joel Miele, Sr., who spent much of his life in public service, including as our Administration’s Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection. Throughout his career, Joel sought to improve City services and protect our critical infrastructure. He oversaw the successful completion of the first phase of the Third Water Tunnel, the largest public works project in New York City history, and initiated major survey and repair projects to ensure the reliability and quality of our water system. Joel was an accomplished engineer who applied his trade in the service of the city. Joel will be remembered as a decorated Navy Captain, dedicated father and proud New Yorker. On behalf of a grateful city, I want to extend my sincere condolences to his family.”