Mount Vernon, Rye and Newburgh are due to receive Green Resiliency Grants from New York state for stormwater infrastructure projects. The money is part of $61 million in funds to be spent on eight projects in various parts of the state.
Mount Vernon is due to receive $4.4 million for the Brush Park Green Infrastructure Project to install porous pavement, bioretention, and trees throughout this key recreation area in the city.
According to Mount Vernon’s Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, “This $4.4 million Green Resiliency Grant for the Brush Park Green Infrastructure Project is a transformative investment that will help us mitigate flooding, improve water quality in the Hutchinson River, and enhance one of our city’s most valued recreation areas. My administration remains committed to advancing sustainable projects that protect our environment, strengthen our neighborhoods, and improve the quality of life for every Mount Vernon resident.”
The Town of Rye has been allocated $8.1 million for the Rye Town Park Sustainability Project, which includes porous pavement, bioretention, rain barrels, stream daylighting, and drainage enhancements. These upgrades will help alleviate flooding and erosion while creating a safer, more sustainable park and beach along Long Island Sound.
Rye Town Supervisor Gary Zuckerman said the project will “help us combat flooding, enhance our community’s climate resiliency, and help protect our precious Sound Shore. This kind of alliance between state and town governments is making possible smart, sustainable investments. Together, we will protect our residents and our environment for generations to come.”
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “Flooding has become a persistent problem, one that grows worse every year as we experience the regular occurrence of so-called ‘100-year storms.’ Our communities have been hit hard by repeated flooding, and this $61 million investment across New York state, including $4.4 million for Mount Vernon and $8.1 million for Rye, will make a real difference in protecting our residents, strengthening our infrastructure, and helping us build greater resilience for the future.”
In Orange County, The City of Newburgh has been awarded a grant of $1.825 million for the Liberty Street Reconstruction Project, which will feature porous pavement, bioretention, and tree trenches. These upgrades will help the city meet its Long-Term Control Plan requirements by reducing combined sewer overflow and improving the health of the Hudson River.
In announcing the grants, Gov. Kathy Hochul pointed out that the idea of moving forward with the projects is to prepare for the next major storms and not just react to what happens when they hit.
