Rockland Reporter

Yesterday, Congressman Mike Lawler and nearly a dozen elected officials announced an investment exceeding $10 million in infrastructure for Putnam County. This funding, part of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, will benefit projects across every town in the county.

"A few months ago, we concluded the appropriations work on Fiscal Year 2024’s federal spending," said Congressman Lawler. "The two funding bills we passed that were signed into law included a combined $58 million in funding for our district. These funds will meet a variety of needs across NY-17 – ensuring clean drinking water for various localities, mitigating flooding in several neighborhoods, revitalizing downtown communities, providing critical resources for local law enforcement, improving pedestrian safety, and creating good-paying, union jobs right here in our district."

"Projects like these, while not flashy, are more important than almost any other," Congressman Lawler added. "This funding will help improve pedestrian safety, ensure our water quality remains strong, and make Putnam County an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. That’s been my focus in Congress - making sure every community has a seat at the table and knows they can come to me for help. This over $10 million in funding for Putnam County is just another affirmation of my commitment to the 17th Congressional District and to the people of Putnam."

Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne remarked on Lawler's accessibility: "We have never had a member of Congress as accessible as Congressman Mike Lawler. When we need to reach out to him or his staff, we get text messages or phone calls almost immediately. And I hear that from every town official that I speak with," Byrne said. "Congressman Lawler got this done; he was the one who made the request. And we appreciate all the support but we know that it really started with Congressman Mike Lawler making himself accessible and prioritizing Putnam County."

Assemblyman Matt Slater also expressed gratitude: "This is a great day for our communities," he said. "It makes a big difference to have someone as connected to our communities as Congressman Lawler is. He spends the time and invests the time in the Capitol to make sure that he's there for us."

Carmel Town Supervisor Michael Cazzari highlighted specific benefits: "We want to give a big thanks to Congressman Mike Lawler for helping us fund this clean water project," Cazzari stated. "The $2,275,000 that he has secured for us is going to make a real difference in improving our clean water access."

Putnam Valley Town Supervisor Jackie Annabi echoed these sentiments: "I want to thank Congressman Lawler. The Town Board could not have done this without your help," Annabi said.

Kent Town Supervisor Jaime McGlasson acknowledged Lawler's role: "I would like to thank Congressman Lawler for his significant investment in the town of Kent," McGlasson noted.

Congressman Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District which includes parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.