White Plains, NY — In a move that helps towns and villages protect our drinking water, the Board of Legislators has authorized the release of three-quarters of a million dollars to pay for watershed-protection projects throughout Northern Westchester.

The money comes from the East of Hudson Water Quality Investment Program Fund and pays for the operation and maintenance of projects undertaken by the towns of Bedford, Cortlandt, Lewisboro, New Castle, North Castle, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers, Yorktown and the town/village of Mount Kisco.

These projects are designed to prevent pollutants from running off with storm water into the Croton and Kensico watersheds.

"There's nothing more important than protecting our drinking water,” said Legislator Kitley Covill (D - Bedford, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers). “Those of us who live in watershed communities take the responsibility very seriously, but solutions that are both effective and cost efficient require regional cooperation.  That's why I'm so happy that the county, as custodian of East of Hudson Water Quality Investment Program Fund, is making this money available to our towns.  This is a great example of the good things that happen when county and local governments work together."

Board Chair Ben Boykin, (D – Harrison, Scarsdale, White Plains), “I applaud Legislator Covill for her continuing efforts to protect the environment for all Westchester residents and for her work on behalf of the county’s watershed communities. I also would like to thank the entire Board for supporting this important legislation.”

The newly-released $750,000 will pay for expenses incurred from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2022 by the towns.