Riverkeeper legal action secures $235,000 for Hudson River recovery
Funds go toward Groundwork Hudson Valley's habitat restoration, pollution reduction, and climate resilience projects
April 24, 2025
Riverkeeper Team
Yonkers, NY — April 24, 2025: Riverkeeper is proud to announce the allocation of $235,000 to Groundwork Hudson Valley, secured through our recent successful Clean Water Act lawsuit brought by attorneys at our partner firm Super Law Group.
The funds will be paid directly to a leading nonprofit dedicated to environmental restoration and community empowerment, Groundwork Hudson Valley, to help the environment rebound and flourish following the pollution that spurred the initial lawsuit.
“Riverkeeper’s legal efforts don’t just stop pollution — they help fuel restoration. By strategically directing funds to impactful environmental initiatives, we’re ensuring that we’re not only holding violators accountable, but also fostering a healthier future for our communities and ecosystems,” said Tracy Brown, President of Riverkeeper. “Riverkeeper is thrilled to have negotiated this funding and committed it to supporting Groundwork Hudson Valley’s vital work.”
This afternoon, the “Environmental Benefit Project” funding was used to plant nearly 400 trees from 50 different species at Barack Obama School for Social Justice, a high school in Yonkers, with elected officials, environmental leaders, including Riverkeeper President Tracy Brown, and student volunteers — all getting their hands dirty. This “microforest” will help capture stormwater runoff, provide cooling benefits for students, and improve water quality in the region.
The funding will also support Groundwork Hudson Valley’s seven active floodplain restoration sites along the Saw Mill River. These projects include removing vegetation, planting native shoreline vegetation, and ensuring continued habitat restoration success through ongoing upkeep.
“Thanks to Riverkeeper’s legal actions, these projects will make a lasting difference for both the environment and our community,” said Oded Holzinger, Executive Director of Groundwork Hudson Valley. “We are thrilled to be able to expand our work restoring habitat, organizing community cleanups, capturing stormwater before it can pollute waterways, and working with local elected officials to reduce combined sewer overflows and strengthen climate resilience.”
Additionally, Groundwork Hudson Valley will be conducting regular community river cleanups along the Saw Mill River and working with municipal stakeholders and community members from the Saw Mill River Watershed to develop designs and nature-based projects to restore the floodplain, mitigate flooding, improve water quality, and support local habitat.
They will also work with municipal partners and elected officials in Yonkers to promote the implementation of green stormwater infrastructure, particularly in West Yonkers, where sewer and stormwater systems are combined, by developing vulnerability assessments, designs, and demonstration projects. Green infrastructure will capture rainwater, reducing pressure on the local drainage system and combined sewer overflow events.
ABOUT RIVERKEEPER
Riverkeeper protects and restores the Hudson River, and safeguards drinking water supplies through community partnerships, science, and law. Our core programs improve water quality, restore habitat for an abundance of life, and address the impact of climate change on our waterways. Founded in 1966 as the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association, Riverkeeper became the model for more than 320 Waterkeeper organizations around the world and helped establish globally-recognized standards for waterway and watershed protection. We continue to work toward the goal of a swimmable, fishable, and drinkable Hudson River for all. Learn more, get updates, and support our work by visiting riverkeeper.org.
ABOUT GROUNDWORK HUDSON VALLEY
Groundwork Hudson Valley is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the environment and quality of life for communities in the Hudson Valley region. They focus on restoring ecosystems, transforming urban neighborhoods, and promoting sustainability and healthy living. Learn more at groundworkhv.org.
Related campaigns
Protecting and restoring habitats
The Hudson River watershed is home to a breathtaking diversity of life. Protecting and restoring our aquatic habitats is critical for their renewal and for a healthy future for all life in the watershed
Sewer and stormwater pollution
Working to keep sewage and street pollution out of our waterways
Strengthening protections against a changing climate
Supporting nature-based solutions to adapt to the impacts of climate change
