By Jerry McKinstry, Deputy Communications Director, Office of the County Executive, Westchester County

Oct. 25, 2017:  Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino proposed a $268 million capital budget for 2018 that includes large investments in the county's parks, roads, bridges, sewer infrastructure, and affordable housing.

In particular, the proposal includes $59.8 million for park improvements, $36.6 million for sewer and water districts, and $7.5 million for land acquisition and infrastructure improvements for affordable housing developments, along with additional investments in the county's refuse district and emergency services operations.

In sending his proposal to the Westchester Board of Legislators, the county executive also urged lawmakers to return to a single authorization process that was common under the previous administration whereby both design and construction portions of the projects were approved jointly to ensure they are done faster and more efficiently. The dual-approval process was created in 2010 and has continued ever since.

In addition to enhancing and preserving vital resources, the proposed capital budget will create approximately 2,700 jobs, providing an important economic stimulus to the local economy.

"The capital budget reflects our continued commitment to economic growth and public infrastructure," said Astorino. "It is designed to preserve our quality of life in Westchester and enhance vital county assets for our residents while taking advantage of historically low interest rates, which saves millions on borrowing costs."

Since taking office, the Astorino Administration has invested and completed nearly $1.3 billion in capital projects in Westchester County--all while either lowering the property tax levy or keeping it level--that have created or maintained thousands of jobs. 

The 2018 capital budget includes:

• $59.8 million for parks improvements at Croton Point, Lasdon Park, Tibbetts Brook Park, Willson's Woods, Mountain Lakes, and Dunwoodie Golf Course, as well as other county parks.

• $36.6 million for sewer and water districts--including upgrades at the Port Chester, Mamaroneck, and Yonkers water resource recovery facilities--and $7 million for the refuse district.

• Funds for extensive renovations and rehabilitation projects that will take place on the Bronx River Parkway, Quaker Bridge Road over the Croton River in Cortlandt, and Mamaroneck Avenue, as well as other road and bridges throughout the county.  

Roughly 22 percent of the capital budget will go toward parks and recreation; 18 percent is designated for transportation; 16 percent is for parkways, roads, and bridges; and 14 percent is for sewers and water facilities.

Pictured here:  Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino.

Photo courtesy the county executive's office