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CARMEL, NY – County Executive Kevin Byrne has announced that Putnam County has submitted an application for a New York State Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant to construct and extend sidewalks along Fair Street in the Town of Philipstown and the Village of Cold Spring.

The application was developed through a partnership involving the Town of Philipstown, the Village of Cold Spring, the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail, the Putnam County Executive’s Office, the Putnam County Planning and Public Works Departments, and the Putnam County Legislature. 

If awarded, the project would extend the existing sidewalk along Fair Street from Mayor’s Park toward Little Stony Point, creating a safer pedestrian route connecting the Village of Cold Spring with the entrance to the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve. The proposed improvement would provide a safe alternative for pedestrian traffic while helping address congestion and increased tourism activity in the area. 

Putnam County is serving as the lead agency for the application to the New York State Department of Transportation, allowing the project partners to leverage state funding through the competitive TAP grant program. 

“This project reflects what can happen when local governments and community partners work together toward a shared goal,” Byrne said. “With more visitors coming to Philipstown and Cold Spring to enjoy the Hudson Highlands, improving pedestrian safety along Fair Street has become increasingly important. By working together, we’re pursuing state funding that would allow us to make these improvements without placing any burden on local taxpayers.” 

The initiative was the result of months of collaboration led primarily by Supervisor John Van Tassel of the Town of Philipstown and Village of Cold Spring Mayor Kathleen E. Foley, working closely with the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail organization, the Putnam County Executive’s Office, the Putnam County Planning, Transportation & Development, the County’s Department of Public Works and members of the Putnam County Legislature. 

“Fair Street is a vital connection between our Village, our parks, used heavily by both our residents and the many visitors who come to experience the beauty of the Hudson Highlands,” said Mayor Foley. “This project is about making that connection safer and more accessible for everyone. I’m grateful for the strong partnership between the Village, Town, County, and the Fjord Trail team to move this forward, and I’m hopeful we can secure this funding to deliver a meaningful improvement for our community.” 

Local leaders were encouraged by the New York State Department of Transportation to apply for the grant, which supports projects that improve non-motorized transportation infrastructure such as sidewalks, bicycle paths, and pedestrian safety improvements. 

A key component of the proposal is a financial commitment from the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail to fund the entire required local match for the project. In a letter to the County Executive’s Office, Fjord Trail leadership committed $450,000 to cover the local cost share required by the state. 

The organization noted that improving pedestrian conditions along Fair Street aligns with its long-term vision of creating safer connections between Cold Spring’s Main Street and Little Stony Point as part of the broader Fjord Trail Master PlanBecause of this partnership, the project would be completed at no cost to local property taxpayers if the grant is awarded.

Byrne thanked Supervisor Van Tassel, Mayor Foley, leadership of the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail, and members of the Putnam County Legislature for their support in advancing the application.

“Through collaboration with our municipal leaders and community partners, Putnam County is well positioned to compete for this important state investment,” Byrne said. “This project would improve safety for residents and visitors alike while supporting the continued vitality of Philipstown and Cold Spring.”

Local officials remain optimistic about the county’s chances of receiving the grant, particularly given encouragement from state transportation officials during the application process.

 Grant awards are expected to be announced following the review of applications by the New York State Department of Transportation.