Washington, DC -- Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) met with Colonel John R. Boulé II, Commander and District Engineer, of the New York District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to discuss dredging and flood control projects affecting the 17^th District.

“Despite the massive Republican cuts to Appropriations, including $516 million from the Army Corp of Engineers, I want to move forward with very important projects in the district that have real and tangible effects on people and neighborhoods.  Despite these proposed targeted cuts, I will continue advocating for the projects, in the hope they can move forward despite these shortsighted moves,” said Rep. Engel.

Among the topics covered in the meeting was the Eastchester Creek.  The Army Corps of Engineers performed maintenance dredging in Eastchester Creek last year, but it could not dredge the “Y” portion of the creek because it was de-authorized in 1992.  Rep. Engel stressed the importance of having that additional part of the creek dredged, and reaffirmed his commitment to seek reauthorization for the Corps by submitting a relatively rare request for a Survey Resolution to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. 

Rep. Engel also spoke with Col. Boulé about Stonehouse Drive in Spring Valley where there is a great need to remediate flooding and shared with the Colonel photos of recent flooding there and a petition signed by residents for flood remediation. 

He also spoke of flooding projects in Suffern, West Nyack, the Bronx, and other parts of the district.

“I will continue seeking federal funding for these very important projects, even as federal funds are targeted for reductions.  I urge my colleagues to see the larger picture and not penalize our communities in any attempts to cut our federal budget,” added Rep. Engel.

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