County Executive Robert P. Astorino Monday joined with other officials, including Rep. Nita Lowey, to formally sign an agreement to move forward on efforts to reduce flooding in the Mamaroneck and Sheldrake rivers drainage basin.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with the New York State Department
of Environmental Conservation and the county, will re‐evaluate studies of the Mamaroneck and Sheldrake Rivers to examine the opportunity for reduction of flood risks to the Village of Mamaroneck.
The cost of the re‐evaluation effort is estimated at $6.1 million and is 75 percent federal,thanks to money obtained by Lowey. Westchester County and the state each contributed $768,000.
"Mamaroneck Village residents and businesses as well as those from surrounding communities were severely impacted by the extreme flooding from the April 2007 northeaster," said Astorino. "Signing this agreement places the county in a position to move forward with a practical strategy to reduce the risk of potentially catastrophic flooding along the Mamaroneck and Sheldrake rivers in the village."
Commented Lowey, "The best way to protect our community from severe flooding is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. I am pleased this agreement will allow critical work to move forward. It is a necessary part of developing a long‐term solution to regional flooding. In the short‐term, I continue working to secure federal funding for local communities to undertake their own flood mitigation projects like storm water drainage enhancements and sewer upgrades."
The agreement allows the Corps to begin the re‐evaluation of a flood risk management project that was originally authorized for construction in 1986. The project never moved into construction following authorization due to local concerns on the project costs. This re‐evaluation will examine the flooding problems of the Mamaroneck and Sheldrake Rivers caused from low channel capacity, small bridge openings; developmental encroachment along both rivers, urbanization and a poor flow conveyance at the confluence of both rivers.
Potential alternatives being examined include channel modification, a diversion tunnel, non‐structural measures,such as buyouts and flood proofing, or a combination of alternatives. The five‐year study will identify opportunities to reduce the flood risk for the residents of the Village of Mamaroneck through identification of a recommended plan, complete an environmental impact statement and prepare the plans and specifications for the first construction contract. Construction of the project will require new authorization and funding, and the execution of a new agreement with the state.
"The Corps, New York State, and Westchester County have identified this as very important to the citizens of the Village of Mamaroneck, N.Y. and crucial in reducing potential flood risks from the Mamaroneck and Sheldrake Rivers," said Col. John Boulé II, the Army Corps' New York District Commander and District Engineer.