Local Officials Announce $5M in Water Infrastructure Grants for Northern Westchester and Putnam County

New York State Senator Pete Harckham, along with Assemblymembers Chris Burdick, Dana Levenberg and Matt Slater, announced today the allocation of over $5 million in state grant funding for critical water quality improvement projects in Westchester and Putnam counties.

The funding is part of a broader $225 million initiative released by Governor Kathy Hochul through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) program. These grants are aimed at enhancing drinking water quality, protecting vital natural habitats and bolstering resilience against flooding and climate change.

“Clean drinking water and pristine waterways are fundamental to thriving communities,” said Senator Harckham. “The funding for these projects is vital for public health, economic growth and environmental sustainability. I applaud Governor Hochul in releasing this funding and investing in our communities and thank my colleagues in the legislature for their work in appropriating this crucial funding.”

The funding for the announced water infrastructure improvements includes projects in the City of Peekskill and the Towns of Kent, Southeast, New Castle and North Salem.

“Enhancing our municipalities’ ability to deliver clean water to our residents and local businesses is of paramount importance,” said Assemblymember Dana Levenberg. “I applaud all of the municipal leaders and their water departments who won funding in this round of WQIP for identifying proactive actions they can take to protect their local water sources and thank the DEC and Governor Kathy Hochul for their continued support of the water quality needs in my district.”

“Clean water is one of our most fundamental needs, and yet one of the biggest barriers to our ability to have healthy water supplies is funding,” said Assemblymember Chris Burdick. “My colleagues and I have worked hard at the state level to provide more funding for water infrastructure grants. I’m pleased to see that New Castle and North Salem are able to fund projects and equipment that will make a big impact on their communities. We will continue to fight for more funding for these vital projects.”

“Ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water infrastructure is vital for the health and well-being of our communities,” said Assemblymember Matt Slater. “I’m proud to work with my colleagues in government to support the funding behind these essential projects, which address key priorities like dam safety, source-water protection and reducing road-salt contamination. By investing in our water quality through the DEC’s WQIP program, we are preserving one of our most precious resources for future generations.

In a collaborative effort to safeguard local water quality, municipalities and nonprofits are also working to protect local wetlands that naturally filter pollutants and stormwater runoff. In this regard, the Westchester Land Trust and the City of Peekskill have each been awarded grants to acquire land in the region. The Westchester Land Trust will receive $1.6 million to acquire 200 acres of land near the Town of Southeast to protect part of New York City’s drinking water source, while Peekskill will receive $140,000 for the purchase of 80 acres near the Wiccopee Reservoir.

Among the most significant projects is the repair and rehabilitation of Lake Carmel Dam, classified as a high hazard structure, for which $2.5 million has been allocated to the Town of Kent. The project will strengthen the earth embankment, repair the spillway to mitigate flood risks, and install a new filtration and drainage system to enhance the quality of water processed through the dam.

Additionally, Kent will receive funds to upgrade its road salt storage facility in order to help protect the local groundwater and watershed. The Town of North Salem, similarly, is working to reduce the amount of road salt it introduces into the groundwater; it is receiving $74,000 to purchase four new brine tanks and two live-edge plow blades that will improve the town’s brining efficiency and reduce its reliance on road salt.

The Towns of Southeast and New Castle have each been awarded $325,000 for the purchase of new vacuum trucks to efficiently clean catch basins and remove debris in order to improve overall water quality management.

Vivian McKenzie, Mayor of Peekskill, said, “We appreciate New York State’s attention to water quality for all residents. Without this funding, the City would not have been able to fund this additional buffer around its reservoirs. We appreciate Senator Harckham and Assemblymember Levenberg’s assistance and the collaboration with Hudson Highlands Land Trust.”

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