RYE, NY (November 10, 2025) — New York state is awarding $8.1 million to upgrade Rye Town Park with stormwater management features aimed at curbing flooding and erosion along Long Island Sound.
The Rye Town Park Sustainability Project, funded through the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, will incorporate porous pavement, bioretention, rain barrels, stream daylighting and drainage enhancements. The improvements will create a safer, more sustainable park and beach.
Rye Town Supervisor Gary Zuckerman said, “I want to thank Governor Hochul for her continued partnership and commitment to strengthening our local infrastructure. This $8.1 million investment through the Environmental Bond Act for the Rye Town Park Sustainability Project will help us combat flooding, enhance our community’s climate resiliency, and help protect our precious Soundshore. This kind of alliance between State and Town governments is making possible smart, sustainable investments. Together, we will protect our residents and our environment for generations to come.”
The Rye funding is part of a $61 million Green Resiliency Grant package announced Monday by Gov. Kathy Hochul to support eight stormwater infrastructure projects statewide. The grants emphasize nature-based solutions to manage stormwater, ease pressure on wastewater systems and shield neighborhoods from severe storms.
“Too many communities have experienced the devastation of severe flooding, and that’s why we’re investing in resiliency initiatives to protect vulnerable areas and make our state stronger and more resilient,” Hochul said. “We’re investing where it matters — not just reacting to the next storm, but preparing for it — protecting families and businesses in the process.”
New York City is receiving $17.8 million for two initiatives. The Department of Environmental Protection will get $10 million for the North and South Conduit Median Green Infrastructure Project in Brooklyn and Queens, which will capture and treat stormwater to reduce sewer system strain and improve water quality in Jamaica Bay.
A separate $7.9 million grant to the New York City Housing Authority will fund flood-mitigation measures at the Clinton Houses, cutting localized flooding, protecting infrastructure and enhancing water quality in the Harlem River.
The Green Resiliency Grant program launched in 2024 as part of Hochul’s State of the State initiative, with $60 million awarded in its first round. The grants are administered by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation.
Environmental Facilities Corporation President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “Governor Hochul is empowering communities to build resilience and protect public health, while making the projects affordable. The projects will deliver lasting improvements — reduced flooding, cleaner water, and safer streets — for generations to come.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Ensuring New Yorkers have reliable and resilient water infrastructure is a top priority for Governor Hochul and DEC. The historic Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act is helping make more resources available, including this $61 million investment for green projects and nature-based solutions that will help more homes, businesses, and communities be protected from flooding risks and extreme weather impacts.”
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.
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