Schumer, Gillibrand, Engel push for start to long-planned Mamaroneck flood project
David PropperA major project to alleviate flooding in Mamaroneck, discussed for decades and finally approved by the federal government in 2018, still has not begun, and the region's congressional representative are tired of waiting.
U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, along with U.S. Rep Elliot Engel, have sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, pushing them to start construction on the Mamaroneck and Sheldrake River Flood Risk Management Project this year.
In their Jan. 9 letter, the high-profile lawmakers called the project “vitally important” to address the major flooding that periodically causes damage in the area. The project is supposed to cost about $82 million, with the federal government contributing more than $50 million.
“Given that floods in the Mamaroneck-Sheldrake River watershed have resulted in loss of life, and repetitive and profound property, business, home and infrastructure damage, we ask that you consider this important flood risk management project for a new start designation this year,” the letter states.
A spokesman for the Army Corps of Engineers told The Journal News/lohud.com that there is no timeline for the project to get underway.
"We'll continue to coordinate with our stakeholders on the best path forward," the spokesman said.
The project would widen, deepen and lengthen the Mamaroneck and Sheldrake rivers. Retaining walls would be built, and four bridges would be removed or replaced.
FLOOD FUNDS: Mamaroneck expected to spend $8M-9M for flood protection plan
PROJECT APPROVED: Mamaroneck flood plan gets Congressional OK
COYOTE ATTACK: Coyote kills Rye Neck pet dog in fenced-in backyard
The letter explained that in 2007, a Nor’easter affected more than 50 percent of all structures in Mamaroneck, required the evacuation of more than 40 percent of Mamaroneck residents, and produced more than $50 million in damages to the area.
Over the past 25 years, two deaths have occurred as a result of flooding. In 1992, a man drowned when his car was swept away in floodwaters as he tried to evacuate, according to a 2017 USACE report. In 2007, a person died in a house fire because first responders were unable to reach the person's home due to flood waters, according to the report.
Village Mayor Thomas Murphy said he supports the call for federal action, given that flooding has plagued Mamaroneck for generations. The Washingtonville section of the village would be most affected, he said.
"[The federal government] has not given us a timeline, I think that's why we're trying to spur a conversation," Murphy told The Journal News/lohud. "You have people who live in fear every time there's heavy rain."
Andrew Spatz, a local attorney and former chair of the village flood mitigation advisory committee, said the project is a "paramount priority" for the village and the Sound Shore region. The project would allow residents and businesses to settle in the flood zone, he said.
"It could make the difference between catastrophic and nuisance flooding, and that means everything," said Spatz, who was a founding member of the committee in 2007. "You have enough catastrophic incident, you're not going to have a future, whereas we all can deal with nuisances. Even a few inches makes a tremendous difference."
Spatz said that a project was proposed by the Army Corps of Engineers in the 1980s, but never reached fruition. He said the current proposal has been in the making for several years.
"The future of this village depends on this," he said.
Funding for the project would also come from the state Department of Environmental Conservation, Westchester County and the village. Murphy said in 2018 the village would spend about $8 million on the project.
A DEC spokeswoman said the agency is continuing to work with all government entities to move the project into the design and construction phase.
Westchester County Legislator Catherine Parker, who represents the village and is running to fill Nita Lowey's seat in Congress, did not return a call seeking comment.
Village Trustee Daniel Natchez said the project should move forward, but he wants residents and business owners to know it will only ease flooding.
"Everybody needs to know it's not going to prevent the flooding," Natchez said.