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Progress Update on Town Infrastructure and FEMA Projects

The Town of Putnam Valley continues to advance multiple infrastructure and recovery projects overseen by J. Robert Folchetti & Associates (JRFA). These efforts focus on strengthening roads, culverts, bridges, and public facilities throughout the community while improving safety and long term resiliency.

FEMA Funded Projects

Several FEMA related improvements have already been completed:

  • Wiccopee Road Culvert – Construction complete

  • Bell Hollow Road Culvert – Construction complete

  • Town Hall Parking Lot Retaining Wall – Construction complete

  • Town Park beaches at Lake Peekskill and Oscawana Lake – Construction complete

Additional projects are currently in progress or moving through design and bidding phases:

Brook Falls Road Culvert
Construction is ongoing and expected to continue through June 2026. A temporary bridge is in use. Footings were delayed due to freezing conditions. Arched concrete culvert sections are scheduled for delivery the week of March 9, 2026. The new arched structure is anticipated to be installed by April 30, followed by paving, site restoration, and guiderail installation.

New Hill Road Culvert
Design is approximately 80 percent complete. The team is working through NYSDEC and ACOE approvals. Plans include a temporary bridge installation during construction.

Cimarron Road Culvert
Bids were received on January 12, 2026. Bid review and recommendation are underway, with an award estimated on February 18, 2026. Construction is expected to begin approximately 45 days after the award.

Horton Hollow Road Bridge
Design is approximately 20 percent complete. Current work includes the engineering report, property acquisition documentation, subsurface soil borings, tree removal, and NYSDEC and ACOE approvals.

The goal is to have all FEMA projects completed by December 31, 2026.

Additional Town Project

Oregon Corners Substation Demolition
Bids were received in December 2025. The bid award is estimated for February 18, 2026, with demolition scheduled to occur within 45 days of contract signing.

These projects represent continued investment in the Town’s infrastructure and long term reliability of critical public assets. Additional updates will be shared as work progresses.

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Roaring Brook Lake Dam Improvements Completed

The Roaring Brook Lake Dam Improvement Project was recently completed by Doyle Contracting Inc. A final walkthrough of the project site was completed by Town of Putnam Valley Supervisor Alison Jolicoeur, Town Engineer Todd W. Atkinson, P.E., WSP engineering staff and Roaring Brook Lake Manager Sam Lee on January 13, 2026. The dam improvement project was designed and constructed to bring the Roaring Brook Lake Dam into compliance with NYSDEC Dam Guidelines.

Water levels are maintained by the Dam Master throughout the winter season.

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Keeping Putnam Valley Safe This Winter: Highway Department Update & Reminders

The Town of Putnam Valley Highway Department extends its thanks to the men and women of the department for their continued hard work and dedication over the past four years, especially during the recent stretch of cold and snowy weather. Their around the clock efforts help keep our roads safe and passable for residents all winter long.

As we move through the season, residents are reminded of several important winter safety guidelines:

  • No parking on town streets during the winter months or during snow emergencies, as parked vehicles make plowing difficult and prevent proper clearing of the roadway.
  • If your vehicle becomes stuck during a storm, please do not abandon it. Contact the Highway Department for assistance.
  • It is illegal to shovel or plow snow into the roadway, whether clearing your own driveway or using a snow removal service.
  • Clearing a few extra feet at the end of your driveway can help reduce the amount of snow pushed back in by passing plows.

Brining the Roads

Residents have asked about pre-storm brining of roadways. The Town’s current brine system is approximately 26 years old, outdated, and out of service, with repair costs estimated at $15,000. Replacing the system would cost roughly $225,000, and modern systems require significant water infrastructure, potentially adding another $750,000 for wells and facilities.

In addition to the high cost, the effectiveness of brining has diminished with today’s response methods. Highway crews now salt roads quickly once snow begins, often within the first hour, reducing the need for advance brining. Brine treatments also cost approximately $7,500 per application and can lose effectiveness if applied too far in advance of a storm.

There are also environmental and infrastructure concerns. Salt brine can accelerate vehicle corrosion, damage catch basins and concrete structures, and potentially affect nearby vegetation. In recent years, the Town has seen fewer basin repairs after reducing brining practices. Many neighboring highway departments have reached similar conclusions and have scaled back or discontinued brining.

Stay Connected

The Highway Department is available 24/7 for service requests and concerns. Residents are encouraged to contact the department directly rather than posting issues on social media, as direct calls allow for faster response.

Highway Office: 845-526-3333
Cell: 845-745-0795
Email: skeeler@putnamvalley.gov

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping keep Putnam Valley safe this winter.