Westchester Legislators Provide Continued Oversight of Flood Mitigation Efforts on Bronx River

The Westchester County Board of Legislators (BOL) continued its oversight of stormwater management efforts in flood prone areas and began laying groundwork for new mitigation projects this week when it held a July 16 meeting of the Bronx River Advisory Board (BRAB), which is chaired by Legislator Bernice Spreckman (R-Yonkers). 

Recent storms have closed both the Bronx River Parkway and Saw Mill River Parkway, and motorists know that stormwater issues make traveling on the roads during rainfall a risky endeavor. 

At its July 14 regular meeting, the BOL unanimously approved the Bronx River Reconnaissance Plan, which will help local communities along the river identify and effectuate flood mitigation projects. The BRAB meeting included discussion about helping local communities obtain partial County funding for the projects, which can often cost upwards of several million dollars. 

“We recognize the importance of helping our residents and business owners along the Bronx River reach long-term solutions to flooding problems, which seem to increase with land development and instances of severe weather,” said Legislator MaryJane Shimsky (D-Hastings-on-Hudson), who has been collaborating with Legislator Spreckman in her efforts to revitalize BRAB. “Having our local partners act will result in real solutions that will help our residents.”  At this month’s BRAB meeting, members were informed that NYS Assemblyman David Buchwald was looking into the merits and mechanics of adding the Bronx River to the state’s Inland Waterway List, which could help flood projects qualify for state aid.  

The committee also discussed the necessity of clearing the debris that is blocking numerous parts of the river.  

“Cleaning up the Bronx River and alleviating blockages that spur flooding has to be our first priority, and we’re looking to work cooperatively with the Administration and our other partners in government to make this happen,” said Shimsky. 

In addition, the committee agreed that next steps include discussions with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation officials about targeted dredging of the Bronx River, and with Metro North officials about a railroad trestle causing flooding in Yonkers. 

It’s going to take a lot of work from civic and government officials to solve the flooding related to the Bronx River,” said Spreckman. “The flooding damages property and poses a public safety problem. It’s time to take action.”