Senator Gillibrand And Mayor Spano Announce Over $1 Million For Yonkers Water Infrastructure, Pushes For FY27 Funding

Senator Gillibrand And Mayor Spano Announce Over $1 Million For Yonkers Water Infrastructure, Pushes For FY27 Funding

Jun 8, 2026

Gillibrand Celebrates $1.1M Secured for Forest Avenue Water Main Repair;

Announces Push for Funding for Midland Avenue Project to Keep Water Flowing During Planned 2032 Suspension of Yonkers' Connection to the Lower Catskill Aqueduct

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, stood with Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano to announce a major federal investment in the city's drinking water infrastructure. Gillibrand celebrated $1,092,000 she secured in the FY26 appropriations bill to repair the critical Forest Avenue water main. Additionally, Gillibrand announced her ongoing push to secure funding in the FY27 appropriations bill for the Midland Avenue Transmission Water Main project. This initiative is necessary to help prevent a massive water crisis ahead of federal deadlines for water quality compliance and a planned 2032 suspension, for repairs, of Yonkers' connection to the Lower Catskill Aqueduct, which supplies 45% of the city's daily domestic water and firefighting supply.

The Forest Avenue Transmission Main is an 8-inch cast iron water main running directly beneath the heavily traveled Interstate 87 (Major Deegan Expressway) near the Bronx border. It serves as a critical link between the west and east portions of Yonkers' southern high-service distribution system. The existing century-old Midland Avenue water main is heavily obstructed and severely undersized, leaving the city vulnerable to upcoming regional infrastructure shutdowns.

"Access to clean, reliable drinking water is a fundamental right, and we cannot allow aging infrastructure to put Yonkers families and businesses at risk," said Senator Gillibrand. "I am proud to have secured over $1 million in federal funding to fix the critical water main breakdown at Forest Avenue, but our work isn't done. I am fighting to secure additional funding for the Midland Avenue project. This funding is essential not only to meet federal environmental standards, but also to ensure that 18,000 residents, including thousands in underserved communities, have uninterrupted water and fire protection when the city's connection to the Lower Catskill Aqueduct goes offline for repairs."

"Thank you, Senator Gillibrand, for being a strong partner in helping Yonkers modernize critical infrastructure and ensure reliable water service for our families, businesses, and first responders," said Mayor of Yonkers Mike Spano."Reliable water service is something every Yonkers resident depends on, whether they think about it or not. Together, we can continue to advocate for the resources we need to protect our water supply, strengthen fire protection, and support the future growth of our city."

"Every person in our country should have peace of mind knowing their water is safe and clean every time they turn on the faucet. I'm proud to have secured $1,092,000 for the Forest Avenue project through the fiscal year 2026 appropriations process alongside Senator Gillibrand for the people of New York's 16th District. I look forward to continuing this work for Yonkers in the fiscal year 2027 appropriations process, including through the $746,868 for the Midland Avenue project included in the House Appropriations Committee draft bill," said Congressman George Latimer.

"As our water infrastructure continues to age, it is critical that we invest in the health and safety of our residents to ensure that safe drinking water and fire protection is available to all, we thank the Senator for her continuous hard work in securing funding to complete these projects," said Yonkers Department of Public Works Commissioner Thomas G. Meier.

The City of Yonkers relies entirely on the New York City Water Supply System, distributed through an aging network of cast iron pipes. Decades of wear have left the city's water distribution system vulnerable, threatening the daily water supply and fire protection for thousands of residents, local healthcare facilities, and major commercial hubs.

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