Westchester to spend $ to address flooding in Greenburgh

Westchester County will be allocating $8 million for seven capital projects to address chronic flooding along the Bronx River and Sound Shore.
The Bronx River projects include:
• Greenburgh: Fisher Lane/Bronx River Parkway storm water wetland restoration and stream bank stabilization. Cost estimate $700,000, and
Recently, the west bank restoration of the Bronx River, near the County Center, was completed. The project, which is designed to mitigate flooding by reinforcing the embankments, cost $1 million including a county cash share of $87,000 ($514,000 in-kind services credit) and was conducted and funded in coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers. Restoration of the east bank is now under way. Slated for completion by the end of the summer in 2012, the second phase is being financed with a $350,000 grant through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation matched with $350,000 from the county.
To build on the earlier success of River Rescue, a public-private project launched last year to help prevent future flooding by cleaning the banks of the Bronx River, the county has deployed ongoing dedicated crews charged with debris removal. The project has been divided into six sectors that span across the length of the river and crews will target completion by June, weather permitting. The county is continuing its partnership with the Turf and Landscape Association, which has volunteered services from its commercial landscapers to assist in the removal of debris. Assistance from local municipalities and residents is also being provided in some areas.
Special thanks to County Executive Rob Astorino, County Legislators Mary Jane Shimsky, Alfreda Williams and Michael Smith for recognizing the importance of addressing the flood related concerns of Greenburgh residents who live near the Bronx River. The Fulton Park neighborhood was among the communities seriously impacted by the recent storms. It’s my hope that the actions by the county will help reduce flooding in the future.
Last year the town of Greenburgh, working with the village of Elmsford, initiated a major initiative – clearing debris from the Saw Mill River. Our effort, which United States Senator Charles Schumer applauded at a press conference in Greenburgh, hopefully motivated other government entities to take proactive steps to remove debris from both the Bronx River and Saw Mill River. If all governments along the river and different levels of government work together we can make a positive difference. Greenburgh recently hired a consultant to help the town apply for grants to buy out properties or elevate homes that have had significant flooding problems.
PAUL FEINER, Greenburgh Town Supervisor