Westchester Insider: Press Release: LEG. SHIMSKY HAILS EFFORTS TO MITIGATE SAW MILL RIVER FLOOD RISK.

 PRESS RELEASE

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  November 19, 2021

 

(Leg. MaryJane Shimsky this week along the Saw Mill River in Hastings-on-Hudson)

 

LEG. SHIMSKY HAILS EFFORTS TO MITIGATE SAW MILL RIVER FLOOD RISK.

Eying FEMA Money, Working with Local Officials to Keep River Clear.

 

White Plains, NY — Westchester County Board of Legislators Majority Leader MaryJane Shimsky is hailing cooperation across County and local governments working to ease the risk of flooding along the Saw Mill River.

 

Shimsky (D - Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Edgemont, Hartsdale, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington) noted that debris dams across the river, from fallen trees and tree limbs as well as other detritus, heighten the likelihood of flooding during extreme rain events like Hurricane Ida.

 

She said that she and the County will work with officials from the Town of Greenburgh, and the Villages of Elmsford, Ardsley and Hastings-on-Hudson to address the issue, including recommending and helping local governments apply for FEMA grants.

 

Shimsky said, "It is so important to have a comprehensive, regular program for keeping the river clear of debris. In the aftermath of Ida, which caused so much local devastation, there may be FEMA money available to help us with clearing the river now. I want to thank Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner, Elmsford Mayor Bob Williams, and officials in Ardsley and Hastings-on-Hudson for their leadership in this matter, and I want to assure residents and businesses along the river that all of us – from the County government to local leaders – understand how important that is and stand ready to work together.

 

“Unfortunately, more frequent, more severe storms are our new normal as a result of climate change. Given this reality it is imperative that we do everything we can to protect residents and businesses along the river and our roadways."