Sewer Upgrades Could Mitigate Flooding

House Appropriates Local Infrastructure Funds

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, announced today that she secured $700,000 for critical sewer upgrades in the House version of the Fiscal Year 2008 Interior Appropriations bill. The funding comes a month after the House and Senate passed the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill, in which Congresswoman Lowey secured more than $20 million for flood mitigation projects in response to the April Nor'easter that flooded our area.

In announcing the House action, Lowey noted. "These funds will help to improve critical infrastructure in Rye, Mamaroneck and Briarcliff Manor, and to prevent future flood damage. In light of the recent nor'easter and the devastating flooding it caused, ensuring that our sewer systems are better prepared for heavy rain is vitally important."

Lowey secured financing for the sewer upgrades in the form of State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG). The grants include $200,000 for sewer pump station repairs in the City of Rye, $200,000 for sewer system upgrades in the Village of Mamaroneck, and $300,000 for sewer upgrades in the Village of Briarcliff Manor.

The Senate is expected to consider its version of the FY08 Interior Appropriations bill early next month. Lowey said she will fight to preserve these funds in the final bill that will be sent to the president.

The Mamaroneck Village Flood Committee will meet Wednesday night, July 11.

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