A pond at the center of a popular walking track in Monroe is getting a much-needed cleaning thanks in part to more than a half million dollars in state funds. 

Mayor Neil Dwyer says the village will receive $565,000 after applying for a state grant with the help of Sen. James Skoufis. 

The funds will cover half the cost of a $1.2 million dredging project at its south pond. 

Dwyer says the sludgy water will be removed for the pond to be dug 2 feet deeper to help with unsightly and invasive weed growth.  

Dwyer says it’s the first time in about 100 years that the pond will have the much-needed maintenance.