*Read the Proposed 2024 Capital Budget*
Westchester County Executive George Latimer has submitted his 2024 Capital Budget to the Westchester County Board of Legislators for their review and consideration. The budget, which is Latimer’s sixth, includes investments in affordable housing, electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, Bronx River Parkway Rehabilitation, bridges, roads, the Westchester County Center and flood mitigation.
Latimer said: “Westchester County’s future is built on a foundation of progress, resilience and sustainability. Our 2024 Capital Budget, the sixth of its kind under our stewardship, paves the way for a brighter tomorrow. With investments in affordable housing, electric vehicles and critical infrastructure, we are forging a path toward a more inclusive and environmentally conscious future.”
This budget proposal requests $473.7 million in new appropriations on an all funds basis for 2024. This appropriations request breaks down as follows:
- $301.6 million for general County purposes;
- $160 million for the Refuse, Sewer and Water districts;
County Budget Director Lawrence Soule said: “This Capital Budget continues the Latimer Administration’s commitment of investing in critical infrastructure, creating additional units of affordable housing and promoting environmental sustainability.”
Housing
Affordable housing continues to be a top priority with a combined $50 million included for land acquisition and infrastructure improvements to support the development of affordable housing within the County. An additional $50 million is included in 2024 for the Affordable Housing Investment Fund to be funded with ARPA funds for further development of workforce housing within the County.
Planning Commissioner Blanca Lopez said: “The Capital Budget continues to prioritize financial support for the development of affordable housing based on investments to the Housing Implementation Fund, New Homes Land Acquisition and the Affordable Housing Investment Fund, otherwise known as the Housing Flex Fund for a total of $100 million dollars in 2024. Furthermore, this budget also addresses the need to support our current affordable housing stock with much needed rehabilitation assistance to local public housing authorities located throughout Westchester County.”
Environmental
Environmental conservation efforts continue with an additional $20 million for electric vehicle charging infrastructure at County and municipal locations plus $5 million for the EV Partnership program with local municipalities.
Director of Energy Conservation and Sustainability Peter McCartt said: “Our continued commitment to the environment and mitigation of climate change is evidenced in this budget, including the extremely innovative program to incentivize our municipalities to add on-street and public EV charging. This will be especially helpful for people living in apartments.”
Additionally in the budget is:
- BPL26 Flood Mitigation (Local)
- $49.2 million Includes $18 million appropriated for Village of Mamaroneck, Mamaroneck and Sheldrake Rivers (Army Corps project)
Parks
Within the County Parks System, $25 million for County Center improvements and $6.93 million for the Bronx River Pathway is included in the proposed Capital Budget. Additionally, $2 million is allocated for improvements at Hilltop Hanover Environmental Center so that future generations can be educated about the benefits of environmental conservation.
Westchester County Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor said: “The County’s commitment and ongoing journey of rebuilding and restoring our nationally accredited parks system is reflected in the proposed 2024 Capital Budget. We are thrilled to continue improvements and reconstruction of our Parks including the County Center and the Bronx River Pathway, and we are appreciative of the support we receive from the County Executive and the Board of Legislators.”
Parkways / Bridges / Roads
Department of Public Works and Transportation Commissioner Hugh Greechan said: “As we prepare for the future, the 2024 Capital Budget reflects our commitment to sustainable transportation and the safety of our community. With $25 million allocated for electric vehicle charging stations and related infrastructure, including $5 million to support local municipalities in establishing their own charging stations, we are paving the way for cleaner and more accessible transportation options. Additionally, we remain dedicated to ensuring the safety and functionality of our roads and bridges, with a $19 million request for the ongoing rehabilitation of the Bronx River Parkway. Together, we're building a better, greener, and safer future for the residents of our County.”
Parkways
- P0024 Bronx River Parkway Rehabilitation Program
- $18.82 million in 2024 ($81.9 million TPC)
- Project funds rehabilitation on the Bronx River Parkway from the Bronx/Westchester Line to the Kensico Circle. The project will provide a life span of 15 to 20 years on the asphalt roadway surface.
Bridges
- RB04J Tuckahoe Rd. Bridge, Yonkers
- $3.5 million in 2024 ($4.4 million TPC)
- RB04N NYS Route 22 over Armonk Rd, North Castle
- $1.046 million in 2024 ($17.5 million TPC)
- $15.4 million construction programmed in 2025 includes anticipated NYS TIP $12.4 million
- RB04P Westchester Ave over Mamaroneck River, White Plains
- $425,000 in 2024 ($5.025 million TPC)
Roads
- RB215 Murray Ave., Mamaroneck
- $1.485 million in 2024 (TPC)
- RB219 McLean Ave., Yonkers
- $575,000 in 2024 (TPC)
- RB221 South Ridge St., Rye Brook
- $1.7 million in 2024 (TPC)
- RB222 Columbus Ave., Mount Pleasant
- $2.3 million in 2024 (TPC)
- RB225 Seven Bridges Rd., New Castle
- $2.66 million in 2024 (TPC)
- RB226 Westchester Ave., White Plains/Harrison
- $1.42 million in 2024 ($12.2 million TPC)
- RB227 Old Mamaroneck Rd., White Plains
- $4 million in 2024 (TPC)
Transportation
Department of Public Works and Transportation Commissioner Hugh Greechan said: “In keeping with the Latimer Administration’s dedication to environmental stewardship and passenger safety, the Department of Public Works and Transportation is thrilled to introduce an array of transformative projects. In 2024, the Bee-Line fleet will reach a momentous milestone with 100% of its buses being either hybrid or electric, solidifying Westchester County as a trailblazer in sustainable transit, setting the benchmark for bus systems nationwide.”
- T0063 New Bus Radio Systems 2023 CBA $19.45 million Phase I
- $28.75 million TPC
- To gain efficiencies in scheduling, communications and management of the bus fleet
Refuse Disposal District
Commissioner of Environmental Facilities Vincent Kopicki said: “The Refuse District Capital Budget provides funding for solid waste and recycling infrastructure improvements, and upgrades to waste and recycling processing systems, ensuring that the County remains a leader in environmental management.”
- RD017 Material Recovery Facility and Transfer Station Rehabilitation
- $10 million in 2024 ($73.68 million TPC)
- State of good repair
Sewer and Water Districts
Twelve million added for the Blind Brook Waste Water Recovery Facility bio solids handling. In Yonkers, $17 million is included for the North Yonkers Sewer District pumping station rehabilitation and $25 million is included for improvements to the Yonkers Joint Treatment Plant for odor control and HVAC upgrades. $20 million is included for the structural rehabilitation at the Ossining Water Resource Recovery Facility.
Commissioner of Environmental Facilities Vincent Kopicki said: “This Capital Budget commitment supports upgrades to the County’s sewer districts, improving resiliency and protecting the County waterways.”
Director of Energy Conservation and Sustainability Peter McCartt said: “Due to rising waters and unprecedented storms, building resiliency for our waste water treatment facilities and other operations is another cornerstone of this budget.”
- SW033 Mount Vernon Pumping Station and Force Main 3rd Street
- $10 million existing appropriation – NYS EFC funded
Buildings
Department of Public Works and Transportation Commissioner Hugh Greechan said: “In our continuous efforts to enhance sustainability and energy efficiency, the Department of Public Works and Transportation is proud to announce ten key requests totaling $47 million in the 2024 Capital Budget for our buildings, including parking facilities. These initiatives underscore our commitment to environmentally responsible practices, as we invest in innovative technologies such as thermal energy storage systems and solar panel upgrades. By creating ice at night to help meet peak cooling demands and harnessing the power of solar energy, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also lowering operational costs. Together, we are shaping a more efficient and eco-friendly future for our communities.”
- BIT32 Mission Critical Radio Systems Replacement
- $10.4 million in 2024 ($124 million TPC)
- Includes Police, Fire and EMT communications
- B015E Interior Infrastructure Repairs, White Plains Complex (2021-2025)
- $8 million in 2024 ($10.75 million TPC) MOB chillers
The Westchester County Board of Legislators will receive the proposed Capital Budget and the proposed Operating Budget, and are charged with passing the County Budget by the end of December 2023.