“This capital budget has been developed with a focus on fiscal responsibility.”
Watch the News Conference Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TTV0_Dwjfg
(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County Executive George Latimer has submitted his proposed 2025 Capital Budget for the County of Westchester to the Board of Legislators. This proposed Capital Budget totals $385.15 million in new appropriations.
Latimer said: “This budget, like those before it, reflects the ongoing work my administration has done to strengthen public services and modernize infrastructure across Westchester County. This Capital Budget has been developed with a focus on fiscal responsibility. Where possible, we have sought out partnerships with state and federal agencies to secure matching funds for key projects. It showcases our commitment to responsible, sustainable growth, while continuing to safeguard taxpayer dollars and deliver tangible results for our communities.”
This Capital Budget comes after five consecutive years without a general fund tax levy increase, and on the heels of Westchester County being recognized by Fitch Ratings with a prestigious “AAA” credit rating, S&P Global Ratings revising its outlook on the County from stable to positive and affirming its “AA+” long-term rating on the County’s existing general obligation bonds, and Moody’s Investors Service affirming the County’s credit position as “Aa1 stable.”
Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “This budget builds on a legacy of balanced investments, ensuring continued progress in critical infrastructure, public safety, environmental sustainability specifically flood mitigation and climate resiliency projects, and enhanced community amenities. It reflects our commitment to Westchester’s future.”
County Budget Director Lawrence Soule said: “This budget reflects sound financial decisions that allow us to implement projects efficiently, keep County infrastructure in top condition, and invest in key priorities that strengthen our communities.”
Highlights of the Proposed 2025 Capital Budget
Housing
One of the cornerstones of the 2025 budget is our investment in affordable housing. Through the Housing Implementation Fund, the County is allocating $25 million for projects that will help meet the growing demand for affordable housing in Westchester. Additionally, $25 million will be invested in the New Homes Land Acquisition Program, enabling the County to continue to expand affordable housing options. These units contribute significantly to addressing the County’s housing needs and ensuring that all residents have access to safe, secure and affordable homes.
Department of Planning Commissioner Blanca Lopez said: “The County Executive’s continued commitment to the development and preservation of affordable housing is just as strong now as it was when he first took office. The $25 million dollars allocated to each fund in next year’s budget signals ongoing support in funding housing developments that meets the needs of the County.”
Infrastructure Improvements
With the goal of ensuring the longevity and safety of these essential assets, Latimer has continued investment in infrastructure making it a key priority. Infrastructure areas include:
· County Buildings and Technology - $71.67 million
· Roads and Bridges - $69.46 million
· Refuse, Sewer and Water Systems - $74.75 million
Chief Information Officer at Westchester County Marguerite Beirne said: “The proposed Capital Budget provides essential funding that will support a wide range of critical IT projects, including infrastructure upgrades, business continuity measures, and major systems enhancements to improve public health and safety. These projects will have a significant impact on the resiliency of internal County operations, and our ability to better serve the residents of Westchester County.”
Among the projects included in the proposed budget Latimer included a proposal submitted by County Legislator Colin Smith to include a $10.5 million capital project to upgrade Peekskill’s Highland Avenue Pumping Station. The upgrades aim to strengthen the City's water and sewer infrastructure, ensuring that the system can accommodate the increased usage stemming from population growth in Peekskill and the surrounding area.
Additionally, Latimer included a proposal submitted by County Legislator Emiljana Ulaj for a $5.5 million investment in the Ossining Sanitary Sewer District to fund the replacement of the Kemey’s Cove Force Main. This critical infrastructure project would modernize the area’s sewer system.
The Budget also includes a proposal submitted by County Legislator Nancy Barr that would fund $5.375 million in infrastructure rehabilitation along Polly Park Road in Harrison and Bowman Avenue in Rye Brook.
Also included in the Budget is $26.3 million dollars for Westchester County Airport, Building 1 Upgrades and Rehabilitation $15 million in 2025. Building 1 is a building dating back to World War 2 and currently is in desperate need of repair for housing the County Police and other air support. The work is not expanding the facility in any way, but is required maintenance for safety and function. The remaining money will be used for runway apron maintenance, including the better functionality of the runway lighting system.
Department of Public Works and Transportation Commissioner Hugh Greechan said: “The County Executive’s 2025 Capital Budget proposal builds on this administration’s record of strengthening critical infrastructure to serve the County’s residents well into the future. This budget proposal provides results that will be seen and felt in every corner of the County, creating jobs and supporting the local economy along the way. The County’s capital plan includes everything from road and bridge improvements in Cortlandt, North Castle and White Plains to safety enhancements at our airport and bus transit facilities. I am thankful to the County Executive and this administration for prioritizing infrastructure improvement projects that provide real benefit to the County’s taxpayers and look forward to working on these exciting projects.”
Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Facilities Vince Kopicki said: “The proposed Capital Budget ensures that the Department of Environmental Facilities will have the funding needed to continue to deliver essential services to the County’s residents. This includes treating wastewater, maintaining the County owned sewers, providing clean water, handling solid waste disposal and hosting a myriad of popular recycling programs”
Sustainability Initiatives
The Budget includes investments that contribute to our long-term sustainability goals including:
· Flood mitigation ($10 million)
· Expanding Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure ($5 million).
Director of Flood Mitigation and Resiliency Dean Tarulli said: “This investment in long-term sustainable development will lay the groundwork for a resilient future over the next century. By implementing these forward-thinking measures, we are protecting homes and businesses, ensuring a brighter and more secure future for our community, and fostering a sense of hope and optimism for generations to come.”
To date, the County Electric Vehicle Program has installed 150 EV chargers at 15 locations including staff and public lots, five golf courses and other parks. To date, the Municipal EV Charger Grant Program includes 22 municipalities that will install approximately 595 EV chargers across 76 locations within the next year.
Director of Energy Conservation and Sustainability Pete McCartt said: “Westchester air quality is always of concern, and this is almost entirely because of the vast amount of vehicles on our roads, either passing through on the many highways or from our own residents and businesses. As we all electrify our transportation it is of the utmost importance to be ahead of the demand for EV charging, and with our innovative Municipal Program we can continue to expand the chargers exponentially all across the County.”
Parks and Recreation
Recognizing the importance of quality-of-life services, the 2025 proposed budget prioritizes investments in parks, and recreational facilities to enhance the well-being of residents allotting $77.97 million to the Parks.
Among the projects, Latimer included a proposal submitted by County Legislator Jose Alvarado to include a $6.8 million rehabilitation project for Tibbetts Brook Park’s pool and adjacent facilities in the County’s FY 2025 Capital Budget. The proposed upgrades will restore the pool’s infrastructure and improve the overall experience for Yonkers residents who frequent the park.
Additionally, Latimer included a proposal submitted by Board of Legislator Chair Vedat Gashi that would fund $47.25 million in rehabilitation of the existing buildings and infrastructure at the over 250-year-old Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center in Yorktown, which includes three greenhouses and an innovative composting facility. Operated by Westchester County Parks, the 187-acre farm is dedicated to the development and advancement of sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, community education and accessible food systems for all.
The dollars will also be used to support:
· Pathways and Trails
o $1.77 million in 2025
· Playland Ice Casino
o $21.5 million in 2025
· Playland Parking Lot Improvements
o $32 million in 2025
· Mohansic Maintenance Facility
o $7.5 million in 2025
· Marshlands Building Renovation
o $2.1 million in 2025
· Marshlands Site Work
o $3.3 million in 2025
Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation Commissioner Kathy O'Connor said: “The continuous support for the Parks Department from County Executive Latimer and his administration is exemplified by the large number of projects that are being funded in the 2025 Budget. The increase in patron use in all our facilities has warranted more funding for the rehabilitation and renovation to these aging facilities.”
The Westchester County Board of Legislators will receive the proposed Capital Budget and the proposed Operating Budget, and are charged with passing the County Budget by the end of December 2024.
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