Fishkill trustees back application for federal funds to repave Meritt Boulevard

The Village of Fishkill Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a resolution supporting an application to the Dutchess County Transportation Council to include Meritt Boulevard in the 2026–2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) capital program.

Trustees heard background on long‑running complaints about Meritt Boulevard and the village's position that the road serves as a connector between state routes and may be eligible for county or federal funding. The village engineer presented an updated cost estimate that has increased by roughly $300,000 since 2017; the current figure discussed at the meeting was about $1.8 million. The engineer explained that submitting the application does not obligate the village financially but, if funded, the village would be required to provide a 20% local match (approximately $360,000) and to cover any cost overruns beyond the award.

The village engineer summarized the TIP process and recommended the village submit the application so the project can be scored and considered for funding. "There is no cost to us to submit; if we are funded there is a 20% match that we have to contribute," the village engineer said.

Trustees discussed previous attempts to secure outside funding and noted federal program changes can create new opportunities if the project is on the TIP list. After questions about matching funds and bonding, the board voted in favor of the resolution supporting the application and authorized the mayor to execute the required documents.

Next steps for staff include filing the application with the county, securing the resolution language as required for the TIP submittal and, if the project is awarded funds, preparing for the local match through unexpended fund balances or bonding.