Referred to:  The Energy, Environment and Sustainability Committee (Chairwoman Greene and Legislators Hansut, Levine, Maloney, and Stewart), The Public Works, Capital Projects and Transportation Committee (Chairwoman Petit and Legislators Fabiano, Erner, Litts, and Nolan), The Ways and Means Committee (Chairman Gavaris and Legislators Cahill, Roberts, Ronk, and Walter), and The American Rescue Plan Act Special Committee (Chairman Criswell and Legislators Corcoran, Levine, Lopez, and Sperry)

Legislator Thomas Corcoran, Jr., and Legislators Criswell and Hansut offer the following:

WHEREAS, the United States Department of Treasury has notified Ulster County that funding for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is available in the amount of $34,491,474.00; and

WHEREAS, the ARPA intends to replace lost public sector revenue to strengthen support for vital public services and help retain jobs; and

WHEREAS, in allocating the ARPA funding, the Ulster County Legislature intends to make fair investments that result in positive, long-term benefits for as many Ulster County communities as possible; and

WHEREAS, the water and sewer infrastructure program adopted by the Ulster County Legislature on April 19, 2022 has proven to be a successful model, benefiting  all parties involved; and

WHEREAS, Ulster County has demonstrated its environmental commitment and leadership by being the first designated Clean Energy Community (CEC) by NYSERDA and achieving Certified Silver status in the New York State Climate Smart Communities Program (CSC) Program; and

WHEREAS, the Ulster County Legislature wishes to continue its stewardship by establishing this unique environmental initiative to aid in advancement of various solar projects throughout Ulster County; and 

          WHEREAS, in furtherance of its goals, Ulster County wishes to partner with its municipalities to establish a program to match up to 50% of the total cost of each solar infrastructure project, with a maximum match of $125,000.00 per project; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with Charter Section C-11, the funding for the capital projects proposed herein shall require subsequent Legislative approval; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that Capital Project No. 659 is hereby established as follows:

CREATE                                        AMOUNT

Capital Project No. 659                 ARP Solar                                   $3,000,000.00                                                  Infrastructure                             

and, be it further

          RESOLVED, the 2023 Ulster County Capital Fund is hereby amended as follows:

                                                  INCREASE                               AMOUNT

HH.8097.0659.4300.4505             Fees for Professional Services          $3,000,000.00        

(App. #)                                                                                                                                                   

HH.8097.0659.3400.4095            Federal Aid                                  $3,000,000.00

(Rev. #)                                                                                       

and, be it further

RESOLVED, that funding of the Capital Projects established by this Resolution, and any contracts in excess of $50,000 or contract amendments which cause such contracts to exceed the aggregate sum of $50,000, made in connection with such Capital Projects, shall be subject to the further approval of the Ulster County Legislature,   

and move its adoption.

ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

AYES:                     NOES:    

Passed Committee: Energy, Environment and Sustainability on  ______________.

Passed Committee: Public Works, Capital Projects and Transportation on  ______________.

Passed Committee: Ways and Means on ______________.

Passed Committee: American Rescue Plan Act on ______________.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:

$3,000,000.00 – COUNTY CAPITAL FUND APPROPRIATIONS

$3,000,000.00 – FEDERAL CAPTIAL FUND REVENUES