CLARKSTOWN, N.Y. — Sept. 9, 2025 — The Clarkstown Town Board voted to approve a $28,000 bond to fund the purchase of a cutting-edge Matrice 4E Survey System for its Department of Engineering and Facilities Management.
The bond resolution passed with a two-thirds majority during the board’s September meeting. The funding will cover the full cost of the drone system, including equipment, related expenses, and financing.
The town plans to issue bonds for the full amount. Repayment will be made through taxes collected from all taxable real estate within the town. The bond will mature over five years.
Advanced Drone Tech to Streamline Municipal Projects
The Matrice 4E is a commercial-grade drone developed for precision aerial surveying, mapping, and inspection. Built by DJI Enterprise, the Matrice 4E features:
- RTK GPS positioning for centimeter-level accuracy
- Thermal imaging capabilities
- Obstacle avoidance sensors
- High-resolution visual and LiDAR payload options
- Real-time data transmission and cloud integration
The drone’s rugged build and all-weather design allow it to operate in challenging field conditions.
Town Engineers Gain Powerful New Tool
Clarkstown officials say the drone will help streamline engineering operations and infrastructure oversight. Uses may include:
- Inspecting bridges, culverts, and stormwater systems
- Mapping land for development and zoning
- Monitoring flood-prone areas and environmental changes
- Collecting 3D site data for capital projects
- Surveying road and utility corridors without disrupting traffic
“This acquisition modernizes how we manage our infrastructure,” said a town spokesperson. “It will save time, reduce costs, and improve public safety.”
The drone is also expected to reduce staff field hours and lower the risks associated with manual inspections.
Legal and Fiscal Details
According to the resolution, bond anticipation notes may be issued before the full bond sale. The Town Supervisor has been granted authority to manage financing and execution under New York’s Local Finance Law.
Clarkstown’s faith and credit are pledged to guarantee repayment. Town officials emphasized that the system is a cost-effective long-term investment in intelligent infrastructure management.
The resolution takes effect immediately.
More: Rockland County News
Mathew Alvarez joined Rockland Daily News as a reporter in March 2020, but he’s no stranger to Rockland County. He grew up in New City and graduated from Ball State’s College of Communication, Information, and Media.
