Putnam County awarded $1.2 million for Danbury-Brewster sewer project

Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell announced that the Danbury-Brewster sewer project has been awarded $1.2 million in New York State funding. The project, which extends the Danbury sewer line over the state border and through the Route 6 corridor of Brewster, was granted Empire State Development money through the consolidated funding application (CFA) process.

“Being awarded this funding confirms the significance of the Danbury-Brewster sewer project and its potential long-term impact on Putnam County’s economic vitality,” said Odell. “We have to put the proper infrastructure in place within our commercial districts to ensure a growing business community. In addition, the sewer line would result in equally benefiting improved water quality within the NYC watershed, higher quality of life for area residents and spurring economic growth in the region.”

The Empire State Development funding supports economic development initiatives and projects that create or retain jobs, generate increased economic activity and improve the economic and social viability of local communities.

"I was delighted to learn we were awarded $1.2 million through the competitive CFA process. The Danbury-Brewster sewer project has the potential to be the most cutting-edge and progressive project ever put forth by Putnam County government,” said Leg. Ginny Nacerino, chairwoman of the Putnam County Legislature.  “Bringing this project to fruition will be life-changing for the residents of Putnam County and will help the Route 6 corridor reach its maximum potential.  It will enhance our quality of life by providing convenience and ultimately will help to offset taxes. I am proud to work with my colleagues and the Administration as we continue to serve the residents and deliver projects that support a better Putnam.”

The sewer line will connect 3.5 miles of commercially zoned land to the City of Danbury’s sewer system, which has excess capacity. 

“Investing in our local infrastructure will not only support economic development, but also improve quality of life for our residents,” said Senator Terrence Murphy. “As always, it is a pleasure to support the work of County Executive MaryEllen Odell and Putnam County’s community-minded officials and back the CFA process, which is delivering more than a million dollars for this essential construction project. Extending the sewer line along the Route 6 commercial corridor is an important investment that will pay dividends in the years to come.”

Assemblyman Kevin Byrne agreed. “This worthwhile investment will help support any future construction of mid-to-large commercial enterprises here in Putnam County,” he said. “I am pleased to see the state agreed with us and sees the shared benefits of this project for the region.”

The Danbury-Brewster sewer line will also strengthen the Brewster revitalization effort.

“The news of the CFA grant is exciting news for the commercial property owners along the Route 6 corridor,” said Legislator Paul Jonke, District 6, which includes the business district.  “They are a step closer to maximizing the potential of this under-utilized area of Brewster. The news of the grant is a big win for the taxpayers, whom will benefit by increasing the property tax base as well as the potentially increased sales tax revenue.”

Brewster Mayor James Schoenig said, “The Village of Brewster is honored to be part of this cooperative effort transforming Putnam County into a shining 21st century economic engine.”

The creation of the Danbury-Brewster sewer line will bring construction jobs to Putnam County.

“The Northeast Regional Council of Carpenter is excited to see the Route 6 corridor open up between Brewster and Danbury which would bring much needed commerce and job creation to Putnam County,” said council representative Ed Cooke.

News of the award was welcomed by the business community.

“Since the day County Executive MaryEllen Odell was elected into office she has made infrastructure and economic development a priority and it is starting to pay off,” said Jennifer Maher, chairwoman of the Putnam Chamber of Commerce. “I am excited to be working with this administration on other similar projects that will better our ability to attract the businesses we need to offset our property taxes and to improve upon the overall business climate.”

Brewster Chamber of Commerce President Geoffrey Reinwald congratulates the county on receiving the funding. “The Brewster Chamber hopes the development that will take place on Danbury Road will bring more businesses, more people and more jobs,” he said.

The grant application was submitted by Sandra Fusco, acting director, Putnam County Planning, Development and Public Transportation Department, and her staff.

“It is due to Sandra's efforts to research and apply for this grant, along with her expertise in completing a very tedious and comprehensive application, which enabled the county to achieve this award,” said Odell. “I also want to thank Putnam County Chairwoman Ginny Nacerino, Legislator Paul Jonke as well as Meghan Taylor and the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council for their steadfast support of this project.”

The Danbury-Brewster sewer project was one of the initiatives that Meghan Taylor, who is the regional director of the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council, identified while she served as the president of the Putnam County Economic Development Corporation.

“Seeing progress from the ideas that we planted while I was with the Putnam EDC in 2015 is incredible,” said Taylor. “The Danbury-Brewster sewer line is not only good for Putnam County, but for the Mid-Hudson Region.  It will reverse the decline of Putnam County’s economic stability and provide public sewer to a major thoroughfare. The sewer line supports the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council’s focus of regionally transformational projects that move the region forward.”

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Submitted by Danbury, CT

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