Red Hook discusses CFA grants, DRI potential and water/sewer funding needs

Town consultant Brandy Nelson (S12) briefed the Red Hook Town Board April 22 on grant opportunities tied to the state's Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) cycle and other programs, advising early outreach to funders and identifying priority capital projects.

Nelson highlighted several projects she and staff have prioritized: closing a sidewalk gap along Route 9 between Holy Cow and Hannaford Drive; Rec Park West master-plan facility upgrades (restrooms, concessions); prioritized culvert and bridge replacements; water system improvements in Water District No. 1; and a bridge to close a gap in the village-to-village trail network. She also outlined potential funding sources including USDA (for small communities), EFC funding mixes of low‑interest loans and grants, DEC/DOS resiliency and flood‑risk programs for culverts, and various state programs tied to housing and downtown revitalization.

Board members discussed collaborating with the Village on a Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI)-style, multi-project application that could package infrastructure, water/sewer work and redevelopment of a commercial parcel. Supervisor Robert (S1) urged outreach to village officials and property owners to gauge private-sector commitments that strengthen such applications.

Nelson recommended the board identify lead projects and confirm match and design readiness before CFA openings; she offered to follow up with county and state contacts and return before the next meeting with prioritized options.

Why it matters: successful applications can bring state funds for construction and design, reduce local capital burdens and coordinate infrastructure investments that enable redevelopment and sewer/water expansions important to local businesses and residents.