10/29/2026
***Wappinger Announces Historic Week of State Funding for Central Park and Wastewater Improvements***
-Nearly $4.2 million in new grant commitments brings the Town’s 2026 total to approximately $5.1 million-
WAPPINGER, NY — Town of Wappinger Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini today announced nearly $4.2 million in New York State grant commitments to cover the full purchase price of Cranberry Hills, the future Central Park at Wappinger, and advance wastewater improvements in Wildwood and Fleetwood Manor. The three commitments total $4,194,463, bringing the Town’s 2026 grant funding total to approximately $5.1 million. Councilwoman Heather O'Dell, Councilman Chris Phillips, and Councilman Al Casella joined Town professional and administrative staff in today's announcement.
“Proactive leadership means having the foresight to plan, the initiative to pursue opportunities, and the determination to deliver results,” said Supervisor Cavaccini. “It is how we solve longstanding problems, protect our taxpayers, and build a stronger Wappinger for generations to come.”
Preserving Cranberry Hills for future generations:
The Town has been selected for $2,716,627 through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Open Space Conservation Grant Program to cover the entire purchase price of Cranberry Hills. The pending award is subject to final approval by the Office of the State Comptroller and ex*****on of a grant contract.
Once finalized, the grant will cover every dollar of the land purchase price, eliminating the need to fund that purchase with local taxpayer dollars. The property will become the future Central Park at Wappinger, preserving open space and providing a place for residents to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature.
“We are securing the land for our future Central Park with State funding that will cover the full purchase price,” said Cavaccini. “That means no cost to Town taxpayers for the land purchase. This is an extraordinary community asset, and protecting it will benefit generations of Wappinger residents.”
Addressing longstanding wastewater infrastructure needs:
The Town has also been awarded up to $728,607 for Wildwood Wastewater Treatment Facility improvements and up to $749,229 for Fleetwood Manor Wastewater Treatment Facility improvements through the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation’s 2026 Water Infrastructure Improvement grant program.
Together, these wastewater awards provide up to $1,477,836 to help advance improvements needed to resolve decades-old infrastructure compliance issues. The funding will help the Town address longstanding problems while reducing the financial burden on the communities these facilities serve.
“Our residents deserve reliable infrastructure, and addressing these longstanding problems has been a priority for this Town Board and administration,” said Cavaccini. “These grants give us essential resources to move that work forward while keeping affordability at the center of our decisions.”
Cavaccini, O'Dell, Phillips, and Casella recognized the Town employees whose preparation, persistence, and attention to detail helped make the funding possible. He also thanked the State of New York for investing in Wappinger’s open space and essential infrastructure.
“There is substantial work behind these announcements, and our team deserves recognition for following through on behalf of our residents,” said Cavaccini. “We have brought our 2026 grant total to $5.1 million, and the year is not over yet. We will continue pursuing every opportunity to bring funding home to Wappinger, protect our taxpayers, and deliver the improvements our community deserves.”
