Westchester residents to weigh in on how NY should spend $4B to help the environment

Leaders from different state agencies will outline the program and hear from local lawmakers and residents about what projects they believe deserve the funding.

Jonathan Gordon

Aug 14, 2023, 10:38 PM

Updated 487 days ago

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New York state is hosting the next stop on its Environmental Bond Act listening tour in White Plains on Tuesday.
Leaders from different state agencies will outline the program and hear from local lawmakers and residents about what projects they believe deserve the funding.
"Clean water and growing vegetables and fruit in a clean way without pesticides," said Yonkers resident Patria Butler who was walking through Untermyer Gardens with her child on Monday afternoon.
A majority of voters statewide approved Proposition One on the back of the ballot during the November 2022 election. That vote authorized New York to invest $4.2 billion into projects and initiatives that protect the state's climate.
The funding will primarily support investments in public schools, provide clean drinking water, restore environmental habitats, reduce flood risks, preserve outdoor spaces and address climate change mitigation projects that reduce air pollution.
"Our local governments have a lot of these projects in mind already. They're saying, where can this funding come from and if it's about protecting water quality or helping create more green jobs, this funding will do that," said Lauren Brois, Sustainable Westchester director.
The Hudson Valley has seen its fair share of extreme weather this summer alone including orange smog from the Canadian Wildfires, flooding from severe storms, and record-high temperatures.
The event will run from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesday at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.