Congressman Mike Lawler has released the latest video in his series highlighting major federal investments secured for New York’s 17th Congressional District, this time focusing on the $1 million he secured for the reconstruction of Memorial Drive in the Village of Suffern.
The funding, included in Lawler’s Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations package, will support the rebuilding and reopening of Memorial Drive, a critical roadway that has remained closed after being severely damaged by storms and erosion along the Mahwah River. Once completed, the project will restore a key connection between the Village of Suffern and U.S. Route 202 while improving access for residents, school buses, emergency responders, and neighboring communities.
“Growing up in Suffern, I know just how important Memorial Drive is to this community,” Lawler said. “That’s why I secured $1 million to reconstruct and reopen this critical roadway.”
Suffern Mayor Michael Curley thanked Lawler and his staff for securing the funding, noting that the project has been years in the making.
“Some years back, this road was devastated by storms and erosion of the Mahwah River,” Curley said. “Congressman Lawler worked hard to get us this funding and has also helped bring together Rockland County and other agencies to move this project forward.”
Curley also highlighted the historic significance of Memorial Drive, explaining that the route dates back to the Revolutionary War and provides access to the Daniel Beard Historic District, home of one of the founders of the Boy Scouts of America, as well as popular walking trails along the river.
Lawler said reopening Memorial Drive will improve emergency response times, enhance roadway safety, and strengthen connectivity throughout the Suffern community for years to come.
As previously reported by Monsey Scoop, the $1 million allocation is part of the $31 million in Fiscal Year 2026 federal appropriations secured by Lawler for projects across New York’s 17th Congressional District.
