Westchester County Executive Jenkins
Proposes $605-Million Capital Budget
WHITE PLAINS—The Westchester County Board of Legislators received the proposed 2026 Capital Budget for consideration from Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins on Oct. 15. The capital budget proposal requests $604.8 million in new appropriations on an all-funds basis for 2026, including $280.5 million for general county purposes and $266.9 million for refuse, sewer and water districts.
The Board of Legislators will also receive the proposed Operating Budget for review from the County Executive, and is charged with passing the comprehensive County Budget by the end of December 2025.
Westchester County Executive Jenkins said, “This is not a year for wish lists—it’s a year for wisdom. We are facing significant financial challenges, and that means we have to make every dollar count. Doing nothing, delaying maintenance, or deferring critical projects would ultimately cost taxpayers more. This plan focuses our limited resources on the investments that matter most—the ones that keep Westchester running, safe and strong.”
More than 120 projects have been formally closed with cost savings in recent months, unlocking $13 million in available revenue for future needs, county officials stated.
In terms of transportation and sustainability, the 2026 Capital Budget includes $122.5 million to replace 94 aging hybrid buses, ensuring a more reliable fleet while significantly reducing emissions and improving air quality across Westchester. In addition, the county is investing $35 million, with an additional $15 million in local matching funds, to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, adding more than 650 new chargers across 77 sites.
Department of Public Works and Transportation Commissioner Hugh J. Greechan said, “The County Executive’s 2026 Capital Budget proposal builds on this administration’s record of strengthening critical infrastructure to serve the county’s residents well into the future. This budget proposal provides results that will be seen and felt in every corner of the County, creating jobs and supporting the local economy along the way. The County’s capital plan includes everything from road and bridge projects, parks improvements and flood mitigation projects. I am thankful to the County Executive and this administration for prioritizing infrastructure improvement projects that provide real benefit to the county’s taxpayers and look forward to working on these exciting projects.”
The 2026 Capital Budget makes significant investments to strengthen Westchester’s environmental infrastructure and resilience, county officials stated at various locations, that include:
• The Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment Facility, the county will invest $150 million for major electrical upgrades and $35 million for solids handling improvements, modernizing one of Westchester’s most vital environmental facilities.
• $9 million in new funding for flood mitigation projects, including $4 million for improvements to the Lake Isle Dam in Eastchester.
• $21 million from the New York State Environmental Bond Act will support projects such as bridge and culvert replacements in Rye Brook and Rye, protecting communities and strengthening local infrastructure against future storms.
• Major investments in county facilities to improve efficiency and support essential operations. The future new Fleet and Road Maintenance Facility is estimated to cost $133.5 million, with $4.3 million in concept funds already appropriated to advance planning.
Editor’s Note: For further details, see the November edition of CONSTRUCTION NEWS.
Published: October 21, 2025.