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Engineer urges early CFA planning as Red Hook lines up sidewalks, culverts, water and sewer projects
Summary
Clark Patterson engineer Brandy Nelson told the Red Hook Town Board the Consolidated Funding Application window will open soon and recommended early outreach to agencies for projects including a Route 9 sidewalk connector, Rec Park West facilities, bridge and culvert work, water and sewer system upgrades, and a Sawkill trail bridge.
Brandy Nelson, an engineer with Clark Patterson, urged the Red Hook Town Board on April 22 to begin narrowing candidate projects now so the town can consult agencies and strengthen applications when the state’s Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) cycle opens this summer.
Nelson outlined a set of priority projects the town has been considering: a Route 9 sidewalk connector to Hanover Drive, Rec Park West facilities including restrooms and concessions, prioritized culvert and bridge replacements, water‑district distribution upgrades and tank rehab, sewer‑collection work tied to village capacity expansions, and a bridge over the Sawkill to complete the village‑to‑village trail. “By talking about what kinds of projects you might want to see grant funding for now, we have the opportunity to contact the agencies and talk through the viability of those funding applications,” she said.
Why it mattered: Nelson warned that once CFA opens, agency staff cannot consult on specifics, so early engagement can improve competitiveness. She highlighted funding programs the town should monitor now: USDA rural water/wastewater programs for communities under 10,000 residents, the state’s Environmental Facilities Corporation financing for sewer and water projects, DEC and FEMA resilience and flood‑risk reduction grants for culverts, and state downtown revitalization and pro‑housing programs for larger redevelopment bundles.
Board members discussed sequencing and eligibility. Nelson noted CHIPS constraints for equipment purchases and emphasized that construction grants typically require a cost estimate and schedule; design grants can help make construction applications competitive. She recommended coordination with the villages for sewer/wastewater projects to strengthen applications and noted that some programs require municipal partners or county sponsors.
What’s next: Nelson offered to do targeted outreach and preliminary legwork for the board on prioritized items. The board agreed to review the packet of possible programs and to follow up prior to the next meeting.
Sources: Presentation and Q&A by Brandy Nelson, Clark Patterson, at the Red Hook Town Board meeting on April 22, 2026.
