THE WESTCHESTER BRIEF
Thursday, March 19, 2026
$30 million committed to flood infrastructure across Westchester
$21 Million for Flood Mitigation in the Blind Brook Corridor
Governor Hochul announced $21 million from the Environmental Bond Act for flood mitigation projects in Rye and Rye Brook. The funding targets the Blind Brook corridor—an area devastated repeatedly by severe storms, most notably Hurricane Ida in 2021.
The money pays for two major projects. First: replacing the Playland Parkway and Oakland Avenue bridges in Rye with significantly larger spans designed for climate-driven water flows. The current bridges act as bottlenecks—water backs up, floods upstream, damages homes. Second: uncovering a buried section of East Blind Brook in Rye Brook, restoring the stream's natural shape and expanding the floodplain.
The county's 2026 capital budget adds $9 million more for flood projects, including $4 million for Lake Isle Dam improvements in Eastchester. That brings the total committed to flood infrastructure to $30 million.
Why it matters: Flood insurance premiums in these areas have climbed significantly since Ida. Property values have taken hits. Some homeowners have spent tens of thousands on personal flood mitigation because they could not wait for government action. The $21 million comes from the $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act voters approved in 2022—it does not come from the county operating budget.
But the county's climate vulnerability assessment is still in development. Sea level rise, intensifying storms, and aging stormwater systems mean the problem is growing faster than the funding. Thirty million is a meaningful start. It is not a solution.
QUICK HITS
Ossining Breaks Ground. Station Plaza will bring 108 new affordable apartments to Ossining with geothermal heating/cooling, rooftop solar, Energy Star appliances, and insulation exceeding code. One of the most energy-efficient affordable housing projects in the county.
ConEd Rates Climbing. The three-year rate increase is in effect. Westchester electric: 3.6% ($5.32/month more). Gas: 4.4% ($10.67/month more). Rates rise again in years two and three. Original ConEd request was 13.4% electric and 19% gas—the settlement cut both significantly.
Rabies Alert Continues. The Westchester County Health Department urges continued caution in Eastchester following the confirmed rabid coyote that attacked three people and six dogs near Twin Lakes Park on March 9th. Keep pets leashed, avoid leaving food outdoors. Report bites: (914) 813-5000.
ONE MORE THING
Here is the uncomfortable question: if it takes five years after Hurricane Ida for $21 million in state funding to arrive, what happens when the next storm hits before the bridges are rebuilt? Reply with your thoughts.
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