April 12, 2019 -- Westchester County Executive George Latimer, the Westchester County Department of Planning and Bronx River Alliance are joining together to conduct a study of the Bronx River. The study is intended to update the 2010 Inter-Municipal Watershed Management Plan, and develop a climate change resilience strategy for the River. The study is funded by a $245,428 grant from the New York State Department of State’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Program. The grant will be matched by the Soil and Water Conservation District study and in-kind services from the County, the Bronx River Alliance, the Bronx Borough President’s Office and other study partners.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “Hundreds of thousands of commuters pass over the Bronx River each day, but most of them probably don’t think about what lies underneath. For decades, the Bronx River has served as a place for people to bike, fish, canoe and explore nature, and it is on us to make sure that it is preserved and protected. This study will ensure that the Bronx River corridor remains a healthy educational, recreational and ecological resource for communities stretching from northern Westchester to the Bronx.”
Westchester County has been working closely with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., who has been a part of discussions concerning the Bronx River for many years. This study will continue the cooperation and collaboration between Westchester and Bronx Counties.
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said: “I have many childhood memories of The Bronx River and it has come a long way since our restoration efforts dating back to my time in the State Assembly. It’s a community resource that needs to be protected from the effects of climate change and the results of this study will help preserve it for generations of children to come. I thank Westchester County Executive George Latimer and the Bronx River Alliance for their advocacy in this issue.”
The study will include public engagement in the plan development, ecological site assessment and water quality testing. The County Soil and Water Conservation District will also provide a detailed analysis about the river and its floodplain, including potential problem areas for flooding and erosion, as well as solutions.
Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Planning Norma Drummond said: “The Bronx River Reservation continues to be an incredible resource for all that use it for walking, biking and driving, and ensuring its ecological health is critical.”
Westchester County is working with the State and the Bronx River Alliance to draft the necessary agreements, and the project is expected to begin later this year.