New York ( CNN ) -- Nearly eight months after Superstorm Sandy devastated low-lying areas , Mayor Michael Bloomberg called Tuesday for a $ 20 billion system of flood walls , levees and other measures to protect vulnerable regions from storms and the effects of climate change . A 400-page report outlines `` 250 concrete recommendations for how to confront the risks we face , and build a stronger , more resilient city , '' Bloomberg said at a press conference . `` Sandy -- which tragically took the lives of 43 New Yorkers -- made it all too clear that , no matter how far we 've come , we still face real , immediate threats , '' said Bloomberg . `` As bad as Sandy was , future storms could be even worse . In fact , because of rising temperatures and sea levels . Even a storm that 's not as large as Sandy could -- down the road -- be even more destructive , '' Bloomberg told reporters . While the idea of long-term climate change is a controversial notion politically , it 's accepted as fact by most researchers . The plan includes changes to the city 's construction codes that will raise standards for new construction and infrastructure . Proposed protections include surge barriers and flood walls in Manhattan 's Lower East Side , Chinatown , the Financial District , parts of East Harlem and the Bronx , and Brooklyn 's Redhook . The plan details ways to strengthen coastal defenses , utilities , fuel and food supply , health care , transportation and telecommunications . Analysis will include infrastructure and risks faced due to climate change , according to a city press release . The plan outlines working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to strengthen dune systems and beaches across Staten Island , South Brooklyn and Queens , including Coney Island and along the Rockaways . `` Why should n't a tidal barrier in Coney Island also be a bridge to a new , protected waterfront park ? '' the mayor said . `` Why should n't we integrate our coastal defenses into beautiful waterfront esplanades ? Why ca n't a fortification that protects Lower Manhattan against rising seas -- also be the foundation for a vibrant new neighborhood ? '' The price tag of these proposed projects is tentatively $ 20 billion . Bloomberg said money already allocated for Sandy relief provides $ 10 billion . The city could receive at least $ 5 billion more from the federal government and still more from the state . Bloomberg has been mayor since 2002 , and his final term is up at the end of the year . `` The plan is incredibly ambitious -- and much of the work will extend far beyond the next 203 days . But we refused to pass responsibility for creating a plan onto the next administration , '' he said . `` This is urgent work -- and it must begin now . ''
Mayor wants $ 20 billion to combat storms , climate change . Plan calls for more protection , infrastructure improvements . `` We still face real , immediate threats , '' Bloomberg says .