Funding For Environmental Study Of RiverWalk In 2022 Budget

TARRYTOWN, NY — Westchester is trying to make sure the extension of the RiverWalk beneath the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge is shovel-ready so it can take advantage of federal funds.

At a news conference Thursday, County Executive George Latimer said $1.3 million in his proposed 2022 county budget was included to conduct an environmental review of the extension.

In partnership with the environmental organization Scenic Hudson, Latimer said he wanted the project to be eligible for funds from the recently passed $1.2 trillion bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Acts.

The 0.9-mile stretch of the RiverWalk beneath the bridge has long been considered a critical "missing link" in efforts to complete the 51-mile trail spanning the length of Westchester's Hudson waterfront, according to a county spokesperson.

The federal infrastructure act invests $11 billion in transportation safety, including safer paths and crossings for bicyclists and pedestrians, according to the county.

Latimer said the RiverWalk project means recreation opportunities, car-free commutes to jobs and shops, less traffic congestion and pollution and a boost to the county's tourism economy.

"All are benefits that county residents and visitors will receive from the RiverWalk extension," he said. "This game-changing investment in the project will move it one step closer to construction — and increase its potential for receiving funds from the recently enacted federal infrastructure bill to complete it."

The Tarrytown village Board of Trustees passed a resolution Nov. 17 expressing the village's commitment to serve as lead agency in the environmental review.

Other partners in this initiative include Metro-North Railroad, the New York State Thruway Authority ad the Department of State.