Below are the community projects for which Representative Lawler's office is requesting funding for Fiscal Year 2024.
Project: Annsville Sewers Project
Proposed Recipient: Town of Cortlandt
Address of Recipient: 1 Heady Street, Cortlandt Manor, New York, 10567
Requested Amount: $5,000,000
Explanation and Purpose: The funding supports constructing a central sewer that would provide sewer and water service to the Annsville Creek section of the Town of Cortlandt.
The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the sewer construction and resulting improved sanitation will enable the Town to take advantage of the waterfront location and pursue opportunities for economic development. The lack of a central sewer system has led to parcels being under-utilized with uses such as contractor’s yards, auto-related uses, and car storage. The redevelopment and revitalization of this gateway area is a central component of the Town’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan (LWRP) to help the Town recover from the closing of the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant.
Member's Certification Letter: View here
Project: Rockland Sewer Screenings Improvement Project
Proposed Recipient: Rockland County Sewer District No. 1
Address of Recipient: 4 Route 340, Orangeburg, NY
Requested Amount: $5,000,000
Explanation and Purpose: The funding would involve the replacement of three mechanical type bar screens which the District utilizes daily, as well as upgrade the existing screenings building. The existing screens and conveyors have exceeded their effectiveness. By replacing this equipment and upgrading the building structurally, it will help the screenings process and efficiency of the plant.
The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the current influent screens have reached the end of its useful life. This could result in the risk of mechanical failure that would halt the treatment process, potentially damaging the environment, and costing the taxpayers millions.
Member's Certification Letter: View here
Project: Mahopac Downtown Redevelopment Clean Water Infrastructure Improvement
Proposed Recipient: Town of Carmel
Address of Recipient: 60 McAlpin Avenue, Mahopac, New York, 10541
Requested Amount: $2,275,000
Explanation and Purpose: The funding would be used to improve and expand public access to Lake Mahopac, which has been heavily impacted by stormwater runoff from the surrounding areas. This will help redevelop the Swan Cove area to support local downtown businesses and residents.
The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the health of the Lake will depend on the construction of critical clean water infrastructure. Additionally, the project will incorporate green stormwater infrastructure to improve water quality in Lake Mahopac. Incorporations of bioswales, rain gardens, and drainage improvements would maximize infiltration and water quality. Funding for this project would support the clean water infrastructure elements of this project, allowing the Town, a community of 33,576, to manage and treat stormwater.
Member's Certification Letter: View here
Project: Emerging Contaminants Water Supply Mitigation Project
Proposed Recipient: Town of East Fishkill
Address of Recipient: 330 Route 376, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
Requested Amount: $3,000,000
Explanation and Purpose: The funding would be used for the construction and additional ionization treatment of a water main interconnection to distribute and serve water to an area that needs clean, safe drinking water.
The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the Town of East Fishkill owns and operates seventeen (17) groundwater wells that supply clean drinking water for thirteen (13) water districts that serve over 10,000 people and businesses. The town recently identified six (6) groundwater wells that exceed the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid PFOS, one of the recent emerging contaminants added to the state drinking water standards. The Town temporarily disconnected the wells so that water consumption stopped immediately. The loss of water supply has continued at over 250,000 gallons per day.
Member's Certification Letter: View here
Project: Rt. 22 Sewer District No. 4 Improvement Project
Proposed Recipient: Town of Pawling
Address of Recipient: 160 Charles Colman Blvd, Pawling, NY, 12564
Requested Amount: $2,166,800
Explanation and Purpose: The funding would be used to construct a municipal sanitary sewer service along the Route 22 corridor in the Town of Pawling. Economic growth has been severely limited due to the difficulty, delays, and expenses with the insulation and ongoing maintenance of on-site septic water wastewater treatment and disposal systems.
The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the critical infrastructure improvement is essential to catalyzing development along the Route 22 corridor, which in turn will advance public welfare, diversify the tax base to ease the current disproportionate tax burden on residential taxpayers, protect an environmentally sensitive area, and safeguard the quality of life in the Town of Pawling.
Member's Certification Letter: View here
Project: North State Road Water Main Replacement Project
Proposed Recipient: Town of Ossining
Address of Recipient: 16 Croton Avenue, Ossining, NY, 10562
Requested Amount: $4,136,488
Explanation and Purpose: The funding would be to upgrade the community’s water distribution system, and the scope of work includes the complete replacement of the Town’s old cast iron mains in the project area.
The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the North State Road water main has broken 14 times over the last five years. This has led to required and repeated extensive short-term repair costs, and the frequency of water main breaks has created a health risk for the general public. As a result, the project will positively impact all 37,764 users in the service area and benefit businesses and visitors by eliminating existing health risks and mitigating the risk of future disruptions to local water service.
Member's Certification Letter: View here
Project: Oregon Corners Pump Station Replacement Project
Proposed Recipient: Town of Putnam Valley
Address of Recipient: 265 Oscawana Lake Road, Putnam Valley, New York, 10579
Requested Amount: $3,187,200
Explanation and Purpose: The funding would replace the Oregon Corners Sanitary Sewer Pump Station with an entirely new structure, which would minimize odor to the public, increase capacity, and eliminate flooding issues.
The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the new station will be constructed on a fill pad to elevate equipment above the 100-year flood plain and prevent cross-contamination with stormwaters. This project will address the long-term issues at the pump station and is critical to reducing the risk of sanitary sewer overflows which would contaminate nearby bodies of water, including the drinking water supply for the neighboring City of Peekskill. As such, reconstruction is essential to ensure safe drinking water and minimal environmental disruption. In addition, enhanced equipment and operations will reduce maintenance needs and the cost to respond to the facility during storm events, thus lowering the burden to our taxpayers over the short and long-term.
Member's Certification Letter: View here
Project: Business-Histroic Preservation District Water Main Project
Proposed Recipient: Town of Somers
Address of Recipient: 335 Route 202, Somers, New York, 10589
Requested Amount: $2,276,000
Explanation and Purpose: The funding would facilitate primary drinking water regulations by constructing a water main in the core of the Somers community. It will address severe risks to public health by addressing PFAS MCL exceedances in the Business-Historic Preservation District.
The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as this project will not only address the water quality violations for the Town staff and business owners in the district, but also will provide fire protection in this dense area. Additionally, the project will address nearby residences that are not subject to PFAS regulations but are still subject to unhealthy PFAS levels in their drinking water. The water main construction will be coupled with improvements along the Business-Historic District right-of-way, thereby improving pedestrian access and safety via sidewalk installation and making the most efficient use of public funds to address a range of public safety needs.
Member's Certification Letter: View here
Project: Jeffrey Court Flood Prevention
Proposed Recipient: Town of Clarkstown
Address of Recipient: 10 Maple Avenue, New City, New York, 10956
Requested Amount: $2,100,000
Explanation and Purpose: The funding would be used for constructing a levee and other drainage improvement tools in the Jeffrey Court area of the Town of Clarkstown, NY. This project will provide long-term permanent risk reduction by preventing floodwaters from the Hackensack River from inundating several properties that currently flood during rain and storm events.
The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will reduce overall risk to the general population and reduce reliance on federal funding in future disasters. This project will provide sustainable and cost-effective tools to provide long-term and permanent risk reduction from future natural hazards. At the moment, residents are frequently cut off from emergency services during these flood events, and the flood zone is home to multiple firefighters, a law enforcement officer, a nurse, and a child with seizure issues who cannot get out. Additionally, the project will also resolve public health issues arising from raw sewage backup that occurs during flooding.
Member’s Certification Letter: View here
Project: Mount Pleasant Public Safety Communications Upgrades Project
Proposed Recipient: Town of Mt. Pleasant
Address of Recipient: 1 Town Hall Plaza, Valhalla, NY 10595
Requested Amount: $815,000
Explanation and Purpose: The funding would be used to acquire and implement a Computer Aided “CAD” Dispatch system for the dispatch and Record Management System “RMS,” as well as to replace and upgrade radio communications equipment. It would significantly improve emergency response and coordination for a police force of approximately 50 officers who service approximately 35,000 calls per year. Much of the Town’s current communications equipment is not adequate to service the community with the current and increasing needs of: mutual aid response, changing technology, increased demands for police reform, operational continuity, greater frequency of environmental emergencies and other challenges as well. The current CAD system is obsolete and, with Westchester County Fire Control and Westchester County Police upgrading their CADs, Mount Pleasant will need to follow suit to ensure proper emergency coordination. Additionally, the Mount Pleasant Police department is looking to enhance radio communications to better facilitate police and mutual aid response. Upgraded radio dispatch consoles and vehicle repeaters will utilize new technology which will improve emergency responses and efficiency. With surrounding police, fire and EMS agencies now using different radio frequencies, an interoperable radio system is extremely vital for our day to day operations.
Member's Certification Letter: View here
Project: Putnam County Pedestrian Improvement Project
Proposed Recipient: Putnam County
Address of Recipient: 40 Gleneida Avenue, 3rd Floor, Carmel, NY 10512
Requested Amount: $7,500,000
Explanation and Purpose: The funding would be used for a comprehensive pedestrian improvement plan, which entails the replacement and installation of sidewalks in Putnam County. The lack of sidewalks is potentially hazardous to people walking on them. This project will improve accessibility and safety, improve connectedness, and improve ADA compliance. It would also result in additional mobility options near senior centers so that Putnam’s Golden Generation has access to amenities in towns around the county. The project would align with municipal Complete Streets programs and encourage alternate means of travel.
Member's Certification Letter: View here
Project: Town of Ramapo Safer Neighborhoods Project
Proposed Recipient: Town of Ramapo
Address of Recipient: 237 Route 59, Suffern, NY 10901
Requested Amount: $18,000,000
Explanation and Purpose: The funding would be used for installation of sidewalks in the Town of Ramapo. The improvements will improve pedestrian safety by providing a dedicated space for residents to walk, creating overall safer conditions for pedestrians and motorists. The lack of sidewalks is potentially hazardous to people walking on them, and this will improve accessibility and safety, improve connectedness, and improve ADA compliance. The Town of Ramapo is also home to one of the largest Orthodox and Hasidic Jewish populations in the country, with many of these individuals walking to shul on Saturdays. To ensure the safety of these individuals, the Town of Ramapo requires additional funding for the construction of sidewalks. The outcome of this project aligns with New York State's pedestrian safety initiatives. From 2011-2022, there have been 983 pedestrian injuries, and twenty-seven (27) deaths in the Town of Ramapo. Safer walking conditions continue to be an urgent need for our residents.
Member's Certification Letter: View here
Project: Haverstraw Streetscape Improvements Project
Proposed Recipient: Town of Haverstraw
Address of Recipient: 1 Rosman Road, Garnerville, New York 10923
Requested Amount: $500,000
Explanation and Purpose: The funding would be used for the construction of sidewalks and repaving of roads. The sidewalks and road are in disrepair and potentially hazardous to people walking on them. This project will improve accessibility and safety, improve connectedness, and bring deteriorated sidewalks up to ADA compliance. The sidewalks are the walkway to the Town’s commuter lot which brings commuters to New York City. They are also in front of multiple townhouse and condo complexes where approximately 5,000 reside. The funds requested would have an immense impact on Haverstraw, a community that has a diverse population, including a burgeoning Hipsanic population, and would benefit these residents greatly. Improving the roads will also reduce wear and tear and damage to the town’s and constituents’ vehicles who utilize the road.
Member's Certification Letter: View here
Project: Lake Carmel Dam Rehabilitation Project
Proposed Recipient: Town of Kent
Address of Recipient: 25 Sybil’s Crossing, Kent Lakes, NY 10512
Requested Amount: $1,237,000
Explanation and Purpose: The funding would be used to complete the engineering and design phase for the rehabilitation of the Lake Carmel Dam. Recent analyses of the Lake Carmel Dam have found it to be in unsatisfactory condition, with multiple deficiencies resulting from deterioration of the embankment and spillway. If these issues are not addressed swiftly, this dam is at risk of catastrophic failure, which would have severe repercussions. Dam failure has the potential to cause the adjacent roadway and span bridge to collapse and would compromise part of New York City’s water supply. Additionally, flooding caused by the dam’s failure has the capacity to devastate the natural environment and destroy homes and businesses in the surrounding community. The proposed project will also benefit residents of surrounding municipalities, including the Towns of Carmel, Southeast, and Patterson, which are all located within or near the dam’s floodplain and would be at risk of inundation in the event of dam failure. This is an essential project to proactively address issues posed by deteriorating infrastructure and to ensure the safety of Putnam County residents for years to come.
Member's Certification Letter: View here
Project: The Resource Hub for Disadvantaged Children, Adults, & Seniors
Proposed Recipient: Community Outreach Center Inc
Address of Recipient: 21 Remsen Avenue, 201, Monsey, New York, 10952
Requested Amount: $1,600,000
Explanation and Purpose: The funding would be used for constructing a 15,000 square foot multi-purpose community center in the Town of Ramapo, a QCT with a poverty rate of 25.7%.
This project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it meets a compelling local need consistent with the statutory purposes of the Economic Development Initiative. This community center will serve disadvantaged youth, low-income adults, and seniors. It is designed to combat local poverty by advancing the welfare of the community's most vulnerable members, providing an avenue for workforce development, and promoting the health and wellness of a broad range of constituents in Rockland County. In a town with more than twice the average poverty rate of the general NY population and over 75% of schoolchildren NSLP eligible, this proposed center can be a resource to fight to prevent intergenerational poverty from becoming an enduring reality.
Member’s Certification Letter: View here
