Oct 22, 2021

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RyeCity REVIEW THE

October 22, 2021 | Vol. 9, Number 40 | www.ryecityreview.com

Latimer releases proposed 2022 Capital Budget

Rivalry Rout!

Tommy Broderick chases down a loose ball during Rye’s game against Harrison on Oct. 14, 2021. The Garnets beat the Huskies 6-0. For story, see page 16. Photo/Mike Smith

Mobile FEMA Disaster Recovery centers open in Westchester Mobile Disaster Recovery centers will be in Westchester County Oct. 19-30, moving to different locations every three days to help survivors of Hurri-

cane Ida apply for FEMA disaster assistance. Survivors may visit the mobile units and meet in person with FEMA staff and represen-

Westchester County 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Greenburgh Public Library

300 Tarrytown Road, Elmsford, NY 10523

tatives of other federal and state agencies. They can also get help uploading documents. Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration will

Tuesday Oct. 19-Thursday, Oct. 21 Ossining Public Library 53 Croton Ave., Ossining, NY 10562

also be available to explain how to apply for low-interest disaster loans for businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters. (Submitted)

Saturday Oct. 23-Tuesday, Oct. 26 (closed Sunday, Oct. 24)

Port Chester Village Hall

222 Grace Church St., Port Chester, NY 10573 Thursday, Oct. 28-Saturday, Oct. 30

Continuing his focus on the maintenance of Westchester County assets and utilizing capital funds to make strategic investments in the county’s future, County Executive George Latimer released his proposed 2022 Capital Budget. The fourth proposed capital budget of his administration emphasizes investments in affordable housing, hybrid and electric vehicles, and recreational facilities such as Playland, Memorial Field, and the completion of a continuous Bronx River Pathway from New York City to Kensico Dam Plaza. This budget proposal requests $476.4 million in new appropriations on an all funds basis for 2022. This appropriations request breaks down as follows: • $291.9 million for general county purposes • $152.4 million for the sewer and water districts. • $4.1 million for the refuse district. • $28 million for Westchester County Airport. “Over the past four years we have made significant investments in our County’s infrastructure, while maximizing efficiencies to reduce costs, improved the County’s bond rating and we have done all of this while cutting County property taxes for our residents,” Latimer said. “We are not here to let things fall apart while spewing rhetoric – we are here to get results and to make life better for the over one million people who call Westchester County home. This is our County, and together we will work to make Westchester County the strongest it can be.” Year-to-date the county has expended more than $119 million on capital improvements. The backlog of capital projects has also been reduced by $400 million since Latimer took office in 2018. Over the past three years, Latimer’s administration

has made great strides to improve the capital program and increase efficiency. The most notable improvement resulted from the approval by the New York State Legislature, at the county’s request, to eliminate the $10 million bond referendum cap, which ultimately saves the county money by eliminating extra costs from breaking up projects unnecessarily into pieces. “We have made progress toward improving the County’s Credit Ratings while continuing to invest in our infrastructure,’ said county Budget Director Lawrence Soule. Housing As in prior years, affordable housing is once again 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. If approved by the county Board of Legislators, the 2022 Capital Budget would represent the largest single-year commitment to affordable housing in county history. “The County’s contribution to affordable housing helps to create strong communities where members of the workforce and community volunteers can live,” said Planning Commissioner Norma Drummond. “We need to be able to house those that provide the services that contribute to our great quality of life all across the County.” Environmental Conservation/Transportation Long committed to environmental conservation efforts, the county executive has earmarked: $31.9 million in appropriations for the purchase of electric hybrid buses for the county’s Bee-Line Bus System. • $4.3 million to begin the process of electrifying the county’s two bus garages. BUDGET continued on page 5


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