Thanks to Efforts of Congressman Mike Lawler, Major Water Infrastructure Projects Approved for Hudson Valley Communities

Last week, several critical water infrastructure projects have been authorized in the Hudson Valley, including significant efforts to address environmental and flood-related issues in Rockland County.

Among them are:

Lake Suzanne: $4,000,000 for water infrastructure, including related environmental infrastructure, in the Town of Ramapo, New York. Dredging and reducing the algae in Lake Suzanne will improve water quality and help restore the balance of the local ecosystem. The project would specifically remove accumulated sediments, pollution, and algae that have plagued the water body. 

Pascack Brook/Memorial Park Flood Mitigation Study: The Rockland County Highway Department – Drainage Agency is proposing to study an area located along the Pascack Brook, from south of Maple Avenue in the Village of Spring Valley to a to-be-determined point downstream. This study aims to examine the waterway's flow and identify alternatives to reduce flooding. This project's scope will include enlisting a qualified environmental consultant to create a hydraulic model using the flow values of the Brook as established by FEMA or other approved existing studies. The consultant will then use this model to evaluate two alternative mitigation recommendations to reduce flooding, specifically in the area of Memorial Park. This recreational facility lies in the heart of the Village and boasts a public pool, tennis court, football/soccer field, and basketball courts. The Pascack Brook runs through the park, creating a small pond in the middle. It frequently overflows its banks and causes severe flooding, which often renders the park unusable. Alternatives to resolve this issue will also be evaluated for any possible off-site impacts.

Congressman Mike Lawler released the following statement following the passage of the annual Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). This legislation is the result of bicameral, bipartisan negotiations between the House and Senate and contains the authorization language for several critical water projects in the 17th Congressional District.

"I'm thrilled that we were able to pass authorizing language for critical clean water investments in the Hudson Valley through this year's Water Resources Development Act," said Congressman Mike Lawler. "These funds will prove transformational once appropriated for communities in Rockland, Putnam, and Westchester counties."

"I will continue to build on the tens of millions of dollars my office has already brought back for clean water in the Hudson Valley over the past two years when we return for the 119th Congress," concluded Lawler.