The project is replacing drainage pipes and catch basins, according to a press release. The project was planned by Mayor Anthony Phillips in the early 2000s but stalled when new leadership came into office in 2009, according to a press release.
In 2014, County Legislator Barbara Scuccimarra, of Philipstown, initiated the relaunch of the program and recommended the use of shared services with the county so the improvements would have the least financial impact on the taxpayers, according to a press release.
“The village of Cold Spring desperately needed the project done but did not have the manpower or the equipment needed to do it,” said Scuccimara in a press release. “I could not bear the thought of Cold Spring taxpayers having to foot the bill for contractors and equipment rentals, when the county Highway Department had so many of the resources readily available. That is why I suggested that the work be done as a partnership between the village and county.”
“The village has had drainage issues for years, and it created plans to rectify the problems,” Fred Pena, Putnam commissioner of highways and facilities said in a press release. “When the village did the numbers and sought bids from outside contractors, the officials found out it was going to cost a lot of money. We were able to offer a more affordable way for it to get done that benefits both county and village.”
In return for the county Highway Department’s work on the drainage project, the village Highway Department will plow the American Legion property on Cedar Street and the Nelsonville Fire Department on Main Street, according to a press release.
“As elected officials, it is our job to ensure the health and safety of the residents of Putnam County in the most efficient way possible,” said County Executive MaryEllen Odell in a press release.”
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