Carmel, NY – Earlier today, County Executive Kevin Byrne announced that a new contractor has been selected to resume major construction required for the completion of the Peekskill Hollow Road bridges project. County Executive Byrne, alongside Putnam Valley Town Supervisor Jackie Annabi and Legislator Bill Gouldman, celebrated the milestone and assured residents that progress is happening with the long-delayed construction.

Following extensive efforts by the County Executive's office and other departments, a new contractor has been selected and was recently provided an “intent to award” letter. This followed the termination of the original contract due to the failure of the previous contractor to meet obligations. The County posted a Request for Bids (RFB) and received proposals from multiple interested parties. After a thorough vetting process that included in-person meetings, the County is pleased to announce that ELQ Industries, Inc. has been selected as the intended contractor for the project.

Putnam County's Purchasing Department recently delivered an “intent to award” letter to ELQ Industries and is currently working with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to finalize the contract and ensure that work can commence as soon as possible.

“I’m excited that we’ve managed to now secure a new, reliable partner to complete this years-long delayed project,” said County Executive Byrne. “This project had clearly gone off the rails well before I took office, and we’re excited that forward progress is now being made. Our administration looks forward to working with ELQ to ensure the successful completion of this important project that is crucial for Putnam County and the people of Putnam Valley."

“This project has been a priority for both Putnam County and Putnam Valley,” said Town Supervisor Jackie Annabi. “We appreciate the open dialogue and continued coordination to address the concerns of our residents and commuters. With the selection of a new contractor, we are closer to ensuring the safety and functionality of Peekskill Hollow Road for our community.”

“I am pleased to see progress in securing a new contractor for the Peekskill Hollow Road bridges. This has been a matter of great importance, one that the County Executive and I have been discussing for months, even prior to him taking office,” said Legislator Bill Gouldman. “I’m committed to ensuring the project is completed, and I thank all those involved in getting us this far, especially County Executive Kevin Byrne.”

ELQ Industries has a record of completing complex multi-million dollar capital projects in the Hudson Valley and was also recently awarded a prominent NYSDOT project to improve a portion of Rte. 52 in the towns of Carmel and Kent.

Legislator Bill Gouldman, who has been actively engaged in overseeing the project, adds, "ELQ Industries' solid reputation and history of completing major projects make them an excellent choice for this critical infrastructure undertaking. We are pleased to have them on board and look forward to working closely with them to ensure the successful completion of the Peekskill Hollow Road bridges."

Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne extended his appreciation to Legislator Gouldman for his dedicated efforts and emphasized the County's commitment to providing additional updates to residents and officials on the project.

County Executive Byrne added “On Legislator Gouldman’s recommendation, this Administration has also already confirmed ELQ’s willingness to schedule an in-person public meeting over the summer to update local officials and concerned residents- similar to what was done with NYSDOT, state and local representatives prior to the commencement of the Pudding Street Overpass project a few years ago.”

County Executive Byrne publicly addressed the Peekskill Hollow Road project delays in his State of the County Address on March 9, 2023. He has stated that seeing the Peekskill Hollow Road and Bridge Reconstruction Project completed is a high priority for this administration. The previous administration entered into an agreement with a contractor in May of 2021 and problems with the now-terminated contractor quickly arose before work even began. Since January 1st, 2023, the County has held numerous meetings discussing the most effective ways to have construction work continue.