On Wednesday, June 25, Congressmen Joseph Crowley and Jose Serrano announced that they secured $3.2 million in funding for the ongoing restoration and shoreline protection of Orchard Beach, as well as $700,000 for Bronx River improvements.
“Today is a big day for the parklands and natural areas of the Bronx,” Serrano said referencing the monies that were included in the House Appropriations Energy and Water Bill for the 2009 fiscal year.
He added that while he continues to work toward refurbishing and revitalizing the Bronx River, “Restoring the parks that provide great recreating opportunities, like Orchard Beach, has been no less a commitment.”
Crowley agreed that the funds would provide vast resources to continue local environmental projects he and Serrano helped begin last year, therefore making the borough an all around better place to live.
The Bronx River has been part of a vast environmental restoration program over the past decade, and Crowley said he would be proud to be more actively involved with its further progressions.
“Cleaning up the Bronx River and repairing historic Orchard Beach will help improve the quality of life for our entire community,” he commented. “With travel costs skyrocketing, local families will be able to explore our newly restored urban parklands right here in the Bronx.”
Once known as “The Riviera of New York,” years of erosion and disrepair have prevented the public’s full ability to utilize Orchard Beach, the only public beach in the borough.
“I was pleased to work together with my friend Joe Crowley to make sure that Orchard Beach has the funds it needs to be stabilized and restored so that it will be usable for generations to come,” Serrano commented. “Bronxites deserve no less.”
