I was pleased to revive the Fair Street sidewalk TAP grant opportunity for Putnam County...

I was pleased to revive the Fair Street sidewalk TAP grant opportunity for Putnam County after it appeared earlier this year that incorrect information was given to Supervisor VanTassel that might have prevented the County from participating.
As reported in this article by Supervisor Van Tassel, “the County” could not guarantee the required 80 percent share because such action would require approval of the full Legislature, and there was no time in the legislative calendar to do so. That was not true.
I was initially surprised to see the Jan. 11 reporting refer broadly to “the county,” particularly because the Legislature — which holds the power of the purse — had not been consulted regarding the timing question. Upon review of the legislative calendar, it became clear there remained ample opportunity for legislative consideration. In fact, there are 12 meetings scheduled within the timeframe Supervisor VanTassel referenced in the article: “Somewhere between Jan. 15 and March 15, we need to have the money secured, or another route to finance the two sidewalks.” That is why I moved quickly to help keep the project viable.
Once I became aware of the issue, I immediately reached out to the Supervisor to clarify the Legislature’s role and the necessary documentation and to ensure this important opportunity moved forward. I also spoke directly with the County Executive on February 3 to confirm my intention to advance the initiative through the Legislature within the available timeframe.
I am proud that the county — together with the administration and the Legislature — can now shift focus, become the project’s sponsor, and bring this opportunity back into active consideration. It’s a wonderful renewal of collaboration between municipal and community partners.
This project addresses long-standing pedestrian safety concerns connecting the Village of Cold Spring, Little Stony Point, and the Washburn Trailhead — needs identified in adopted planning documents for many years. With our community partner, the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail, generously committing the 20 percent local match, this is exactly the kind of smart public-private partnership that helps Putnam County deliver meaningful infrastructure improvements.
I encourage residents and stakeholders to follow this item and to participate in the upcoming February 19 Audit Committee meeting, where this important initiative will be discussed.
My focus remains where it has always been: advancing documented safety improvements, protecting taxpayer resources, and working collaboratively to deliver results for the communities we serve.