The city of New Rochelle recently received $1.5 million in federal funding for the design and development of stormwater infrastructure improvements along the Sheldrake River at Kewanee and Stratton roads.
U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced the news, saying the funding will go to the city for projects targeting neighborhoods that experience flooding during heavy rainfall, to make such areas more resilient through planned infrastructure improvements.
“This critical investment will support the design and engineering stages of installing a new culvert, drain pipes, and catch basins at the Kewanee and Stratton Road area” meant to reduce flooding in there, Schumer said in a news report about the funding.
“Strengthening our water infrastructure systems is fundamental, which is why I fought to authorize this funding two years ago and ensure its inclusion in this year’s budget bill,” Schumer added, referring to the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 he led through the Senate and the FY 2026 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill that passed the Senate earlier this month after House approval.
The Sheldrake River Culvert Replacement project
The culvert replacement is meant to increase conveyance capacity, or the maximum rate of flow, of Sheldrake River drainage corridor, which will help water move through the area more easily. Existing pipe culverts under Pinebrook Boulevard will be replaced with larger, box culvert structures. The existing bridge and bridge abutments at Tulip Lane will also be repaired to increase flow area under the bridge crossing, and the construction of a drainage system bypass near Dennis Drive will help ease flooding along Pinebrook Boulevard.
“Severe flooding across Westchester has been catastrophic for residents, businesses, and commuters,” Gillibrand said in the news report. “As severe storms and floods become more frequent, it is essential that New York’s infrastructure can keep up,” she added.
The area along the Sheldrake River near Kewanee and Stratton Roads is downstream of a large watershed and is susceptible to recurring flooding, a representative for the city of New Rochelle told The Journal News Wednesday, Jan. 28. The area’s proximity to a busy intersection for commuters and residents of neighborhood around, Pinebrook Boulevard and Stratton Road, has made it a priority for repairs for the city.
“This project will help our residents in the flood-prone area near Kewanee and Stratton roads reduce roadway flooding and enhance resilience in surrounding residential neighborhoods,” New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert said in the news report.
The city said it’s on track to request bids for the construction contract later this year.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Here is what New Rochelle will fix with funds for stormwater upgrades
Reporting by Samantha Antrum, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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