Reps. Ritchie Torres and Adriano Espaillat Lead Letter to Mayor Adams and DEP on Harlem River Environmental Restoration Project

Today, Congressmen Ritchie Torres (NY-15) and Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) wrote to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection Rohit Aggarwala, and Director of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget Jacques Jiha, regarding the local cost-share provisions for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Harlem River Environmental Restoration Project.

Reps. Torres and Espaillat were joined by Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, Deputy Speaker of the City Council Diana Ayala, and Councilmembers Eric Dinowitz, Pierina Ana Sanchez, Althea Stevens, and Carmen De La Rosa.

The full letter reads (PDF attached here):

“We write to underscore the urgent need for New York City to commit to the local cost-share provisions for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Harlem River Environmental Restoration Project.

“As you know, Congress secured an initial federal appropriation of $500,000 to advance this project, which is vital to the health, resilience, and future of the Harlem River and surrounding communities. However, federal law requires a matching non-federal cost-share before the project can proceed. Without a local commitment, the federal funds could be forfeited by the end of Fiscal Year 2025.

“The Harlem River project represents a critical opportunity to restore ecological function, improve water quality, enhance public access, and strengthen New York City’s climate resilience. Failure to move forward would mean not only the loss of current federal dollars but also jeopardizing future environmental investments in the Bronx and across New York City.

“Given the significance of this project to the people of the Bronx, Manhattan, and the broader region, we respectfully request that the City commit to providing the required $500,000 local match. We stand ready to work with you and the Army Corps to ensure the Harlem River Environmental Restoration Project advances without further delay.

“Thank you for your leadership and partnership in promoting a more resilient and sustainable New York City. We trust this request will receive full and fair consideration consistent with agency guidelines.”