Westchester unveils $385.15M capital budget for 2025

The proposed Westchester County 2025 Capital Budget has been submitted to the County Legislature by the Latimer Administration. It calls for $385.15 million to cover a variety of capital projects in areas ranging from housing to airport improvements and flood mitigation.

When announcing details of the budget at the County Office Building in White Plains, County Executive George Latimer said, “This Capital Budget has been developed with a focus on fiscal responsibility. Where possible, we have sought out partnerships with state and federal agencies to secure matching funds for key projects. It showcases our commitment to responsible, sustainable growth, while continuing to safeguard taxpayer dollars and deliver tangible results for our communities.”

According to Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins, “This budget builds on a legacy of balanced investments, ensuring continued progress in critical infrastructure, public safety, environmental sustainability specifically flood mitigation and climate resiliency projects, and enhanced community amenities. It reflects our commitment to Westchester’s future.”

The new Capital Budget includes funding for affordable housing. The county is allocating $25 million from the Housing Implementation Fund for such projects. An additional $25 million will be invested in the New Homes Land Acquisition Program, which helps secure land to be used for building affordable housing.

The proposed capital spending includes $71.67 million for county buildings and technology, $69.46 million for roads and bridges and $74.75 million for refuse, sewer and water systems.

Among the projects included in the proposed budget are three submitted by county legislators.

• Legislator Colin Smith proposed a $10.5 million capital project to upgrade Peekskill’s Highland Avenue Pumping Station to be sure it can accommodate the increased usage stemming from population growth in Peekskill and the surrounding area.
• County Legislator Emiljana Ulaj proposed $5.5 million to be spent in the Ossining Sanitary Sewer District to fund the replacement of the Kemey’s Cove Force Main as a step in modernizing the area’s sewer system.
• County Legislator Nancy Barr proposed allocating just over $5.37 million for infrastructure rehabilitation along Polly Park Road in Harrison and Bowman Avenue in Rye Brook.

Also included in the Capital Budget is $26.3 million for Westchester County Airport. Just over $10 million will be used for runway apron maintenance and enhancements to the runway lighting system. An airport building, Building 1, dating from World War II that houses the County Police and other tenants will receive $15 million in upgrades and rehabilitation. The airport work is described as being required for safety and function and not expanding the airport in any way.

The Capital Budget includes funding for long-term sustainability goals including $10 million for flood mitigation and $5 million for expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure. It also shows just over $77.9 million to be spent on county parks and recreational facilities.

Included is a proposal submitted by County Legislator Jose Alvarado for a $6.8 million rehabilitation project for Tibbetts Brook Park’s pool and adjacent facilities as well a proposal submitted by Board of Legislators Chair Vedat Gashi that would fund $47.25 million in rehabilitation of the existing buildings and infrastructure at the Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center in Yorktown.

 The Board of Legislators will review the proposed Capital Budget as well as the Operating Budget when submitted. The new budgets need to be in place by the end of December.