Feds Give $24M To Raise Cortlandt Road 7 Feet

CORTLANDT, NY — Federal funds totaling almost $24 million will help prevent flooding on a critical stretch of Route 6 in Westchester County.

United States Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced Monday that $23,960,000 will be given to the New York State Department of Transportation to raise a small segment of Route 6 from Roa Hook Road to Camp Smith in the town of Cortlandt by about 7 feet.

The senator said the funding with ensure the roadway remains passable when sea levels rise and to reduce the risk of roadway closures due to flooding during severe weather.

Schumer called the amount of federal funds “whopping” and said it will help drive the communities toward a safer and more resilient future.

“By raising this critical stretch of roadway, a vital corridor for Camp Smith where our NY Army National Guard train,” he said, “we are helping keep our communities safe from flooding, ensuring emergency vehicles will still be able to service these areas, all while creating new, good-paying jobs laying the foundation for a more resilient Westchester.”

Cortlandt Supervisor Richard Becker said the town was thrilled to learn about the grant to raise and reconfigure the stretch of Route 6.

He said the area was critical because it is the gateway to Cortlandt, Peekskill and all of northern Westchester from Orange, Putnam and Dutchess counties.

“This area is subject to flooding and the narrow road is inadequate for today’s traffic,” Becker said. “Raising this short stretch of Highway by 7 feet will eliminate flooding, and the redesign will make it safer and more efficient.”

He said this is the first step in “redevelopment of this corridor and will make economic revitalization a reality for Cortlandt.”

The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient and Cost-saving Transportation Grant program, which was funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law.