CARMEL – Residents and businesses in the Putnam County seat will soon be drinking water from an upgraded treatment plant because of a $5 million infusion of funds from New York State.
The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation awarded the funding through its Water Infrastructure Improvement grant program as part of a statewide investment in drinking water and wastewater systems.
For decades users of the Carmel Water District No.2 complained about poor water quality. The funding will help modernize aging infrastructure while easing the financial burden on local taxpayers.
Assemblyman Matt Slater whose district encompasses the Town of Carmel described the funds as a “tremendous win for the Town of Carmel and the hardworking taxpayers who depend on safe, reliable drinking water.”
Slater said Councilman Robert Kearns “has been a relentless advocate for his community, working to ensure these necessary improvements move forward without placing an unnecessary financial burden on local families.”
Kearns, who will become Carmel’s supervisor on January 1, 2027, running unopposed in the November 3 election, described the grant as a “tremendous victory for the taxpayers of the Town of Carmel. From the beginning, I pushed our grant team to explore every funding opportunity to help reduce the financial burden of the project. That effort included conducting a comprehensive income survey to help the town to qualify for the funding. This is what happens when you refuse to accept the status quo, explore every available possibility, and surround yourself with people who are committed to delivering results.”
The $5 million award is part of $500 million in state grants for 106 water infrastructure projects across New York. The funding will help municipalities meet critical infrastructure needs while lowering costs for residents and businesses.
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