New Drainage Agency Executive Director Appointed
New City, NY – County Executive Ed Day is proud to announce the appointment of Joshua Nathanson as the new Executive Director of the Rockland County Drainage Agency.
Nathanson joins the agency following three years of distinguished service as a Principal Assistant County Attorney within the Rockland County Attorney’s Office, where he served as legal advisor to the County and Planning department. His work included reviewing and analyzing State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) determinations and conducting environmental reviews for open space purchases, in addition to county-owned and built facilities. Prior to that, Nathanson spent a year as an Assistant District Attorney within the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office.
The Rockland County Drainage Agency was established in 1975 by the Rockland County Stream Control Act (Chapter 846 of the Laws of 1975) to manage and protect the floodplains while also preserving natural water flow. It regulates development, construction, and maintenance along 14 designated county-protected streams totaling an estimated 78 miles by requiring any development within 100 feet of the 100-year floodplain to receive a permit from the county.
“Following Hurricane Floyd, it took nearly a decade to fully repair the extensive damage that was done,” said County Executive Ed Day. “However, thanks to increased staffing, more frequent inspections, and sustained diligence, the Drainage Agency has helped ensure that flooding has remained minimal.”
Major infrastructure projects by the Drainage Agency include the $5.7 million Demarest Kill Dam Rehabilitation Project and $994,000 Lake Suzanne Dam Upgrade.
In addition, a $963,214 Minisceongo Creek Embankment Stabilization Project in West Haverstraw, to prevent a repeat of the catastrophic flooding that occurred during Hurricane Irene in 2011, and construction of the $8.5 million Pascack Brook Bypass Culvert Construction in Spring Valley.
The Rockland County Superintendent of Highways Charles ‘Skip’ Vezzetti serves as Chairman of the Drainage Agency, with daily operations managed by the Agency Director. The team includes four engineers who review and issue work permits, handle in house design work, and oversee quality control for projects completed by outside consultants. Two Principal Engineering Technicians inspect and supervise construction within county stream rights of way. In addition, Agency staff—supported by AmeriCorps students—conduct twice yearly stream inspections to ensure channels remain clear of obstructions.
Nathanson assumed his new role at the end of August which pays $151,750 annually. Nathanson replaces former Executive Director Vince Altieri who passed away in 2025.
