NEW ROCHELLE, NY (January 25, 2026) — U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced they have delivered $1.5 million in federal funding to New Rochelle for the design and development of stormwater infrastructure improvements along the Sheldrake River at Kewanee Road and Stratton Road.
24-007-Sheldrake River Crossings Culvert Replacements (Engineer/Project Contact: Kevin Manjares)
The funding, part of the Fiscal Year 2026 spending bill awaiting final signature into law, will support planning for a new culvert, drain pipes, catch basins and related upgrades to reduce flooding in the area.
Schumer and Gillibrand previously secured authorization for the funding two years ago in the Water Resources Development Act of 2024, which Schumer led through the Senate. They then pushed for its inclusion in the FY 2026 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill, which passed the Senate earlier this month after House approval. The money will flow through the Army Corps of Engineers.
“Federal funding will soon begin to flow for critical stormwater infrastructure upgrades in New Rochelle! For years, New Rochelle’s neighborhoods have suffered from flooding during storms. New Rochelle is no stranger to heavy flooding, and after years of working with the city, I am proud to deliver $1.5 million in federal funding so New Rochelle can make plans to improve its stormwater infrastructure,” Schumer said. “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. 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. I will always fight to keep New York’s communities safe.”
“Severe flooding across Westchester has been catastrophic for residents, businesses, and commuters. I was proud to secure $1.5 million in federal funding to ensure New Rochelle can enact critical infrastructure upgrades,” Gillibrand said. “Major flooding can trap cars and slow vital services like first responders, putting New Yorkers in dangerous and sometimes deadly situations. As severe storms and floods become more frequent, it is essential that New York’s infrastructure can keep up. I’m proud to bring these federal dollars back home, and I will keep working to deliver the resources New Rochelle needs to strengthen its infrastructure and build resilience for the future.”
New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert expressed gratitude for the senators’ efforts.
“The City of New Rochelle is grateful for Senator Schumer and Gillibrand’s successful efforts in securing $1.5 million to support design and planning for stormwater drainage improvements along the Sheldrake River. 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,” Ramos-Herbert said. “We look forward to working with the Senators and the Congressional delegation to secure additional project funding for our Citywide flood mitigation program.”
The project targets neighborhoods that experience flooding during heavy rainfall, aiming to make the area more resilient by alleviating road and surrounding flooding through the planned infrastructure enhancements.
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.