Flood Mitigation Update

by Cindy Goldstein -

NYS Awards Mamaroneck Village $9.9 million for Flood Mitigation Projects

According to the Village’s press release, the Village was awarded $9,976,250 through New York State’s Resilient Watersheds Grant Program (RWG) to advance major flood mitigation projects designed to improve flood flow conveyance and reduce flood risk in key areas of the Village.

Funding will support removal of the Tompkins Avenue Bridge and related work ($1,782,500), removal of the Center Avenue Pedestrian Bridge and related work ($5,203,750), and channel alignment at the confluence and related work ($2,990,000).  This grant requires a 10% local match where the Village must contribute approximately $1 million to the work.

Delborgo Report

Assistant Village Manager Dennis Delborgo gave an update on the various flood-related projects and their status.  He stated that the RWG funds described above will help fill the budget gap for projects awarded under the previously awarded $6.6 million awarded through the NYS Green Resiliency Grant.

When taken in conjunction with the Westchester County work, these projects represent a comprehensive flood mitigation approach, said Delborgo.

Delborgo also reported that the Army Corps of Engineers plan was moving forward with regular meetings among the municipal stakeholders but there was no timeline.  He also reported that the Village is still seeking grant funds for work at the Beaver Swamp Brook since none were awarded in 2025.

LISWIC Revived

Mayor Sharon Torres reported that the Long Island Watershed Intermunicipal Council of 14 Westchester communities (most of which are on Long Island Sound) was coming back together after being dormant for many years.  Torres asked the BOT for input on the proposed by-laws for the group.  An agreement among the various municipalities is scheduled for approval at their next meeting on February 9^th.  The stated mission of the group is to conduct and share research, educate residents and land use board members, coordinate and implement regional flood mitigation projects and advocate priorities.

Allocating Responsibilities for Flood Grant Funds

The BOT added a last-minute agenda item to the legislative meeting for a vote.  The resolution (see HERE) was brought forward by Trustee Maria DeRose who explained that the BOT “seeks to identify the persons responsible for such projects…”  The resolution goes on to assign exclusive responsibility to the Village Manager (or designee) for soliciting, administering and managing grant monies and includes communication and coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers, New York State, and Westchester County administrative staffs.  Monthly progress reports must be made to the BOT at a public meeting.  The resolution goes on to assign communications with federal, state and county elected officials to the BOT members.  The BOT liaison to the Flood Mitigation Committee will also provide regular progress reports to the BOT as well as provide comments, concerns and recommendations from the Committee to the BOT.  The resolution also seeks to determine whether there are sufficient resources to implement these important projects.

The resolution passed with four votes.  The Mayor did not vote.