Town Budget
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director Patric H. Brennan announced that more than $1.1 million has been awarded to the Town of Poestenkill. The funds will be distributed as a $677,000 loan and a $500,000 grant. Poestenkill will use the funds to develop a new water district to replace private wells, which have encountered contamination problems.
"Aging infrastructure is one of the most critical issues facing our communities in Upstate New York, and this critical funding will help provide safe, clean drinking water for the residents of Poestenkil,l" said Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand (NY-20). "Furthermore, this grant will benefit residents by boosting economic development and alleviateing some of the financial pressure on the town's budget." "Helping rural communities provide safe, clean water for their residents is one of the USDA Rural Development's primary missions," said State Director Brennan. "This funding will enable the Town of Poestenkill to replace private wells, improving water quality and service for more than 1,600 residents." "The Town of Poestenkill is endeavoring to provide the infrastructure necessary to protect its citizens and Water District #1 is the start of many new and exciting oportunities that will benefit our Town and keep our residents safe," said Poestenkill Town Supervisor Margaret Y. Schmidt. "Our town is a small, modest but proud community with open space, scenic beauty, natural resources, diverse citizenry and strong community schools. As we progress into the future we feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to tap the resources available to the Town. USDA Rural Development has awarded well over $1.1 million to help fund this capital project, the first of its kind in our community. For that we are very fortunate, thankful and look forward to having safe water available to the most populated and vulnerable westerly portion of the town within the next several years. It has taken Poestenkill many years of hard work and plannning to get to this point in time, and we thank the many individuals involved in making this project move forward." "It is imperative that residents in rural communities like Poestenkill have reliable, safe drinking water," said State Sen. Joseph L. Bruno (Senate District 43). "This funding addresses the residents' critical needs, helping to improve their quality of life."
