Putnam Awarded $1.2 Million for Danbury-Brewster Sewer Project

CARMEL, NY – 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 Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell in an announcement. “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 sewer line will connect 3.5 miles of commercially zoned land to the City of Danbury’s sewer system, which has excess capacity.

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.

“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.”

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

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 Carpenters 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.

Jennifer Maher, chairwoman of the Putnam Chamber of Commerce lauded this and similar projects that will better the county's ability to attract businesses to offset property taxes.

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

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.”

PHOTO/ Putnam County Executive's Office