September 17, 2024

 

(Kingston, NY) – Tonight the Ulster County Legislature unanimously approved Resolution No. 441, which calls for the study and assessment of the quality of water and sewer systems across Ulster County. This research follows a series of fourteen investments made to municipal water and sewer systems across Ulster County made by the County Legislature through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) totaling nearly $7 million. Towns where these infrastructure investments include:

Town of Lloyd ($500,000)	Town of Rosendale ($500,000)
Town of Ulster ($500,000)	Town of Shawangunk ($500,000)
Town of Marbletown ($500,000)	Town of New Paltz ($500,000)
Town of Marlborough ($500,000)	Village of New Paltz ($500,000)
Village of Saugerties ($396,000)	Town of Saugerties ($364,297)
Town of Gardiner ($90,782)	Town of Woodstock ($66,000)
Town of Esopus ($38,000)	Town of Wawarsing ($24,361)

 

Additionally, the County Legislature also funded the expansion of water and sewer systems to the Quality Inn Supportive Housing Development for $2 million, with the intention of continuing this momentum based off the results of this assessment.

Ulster County is composed of dozens of water and sewer systems ranging from the large infrastructure system serving over 23,000 people in the City of Kingston area, down to small privately owned systems to water districts that may only serve a couple dozen homes. These systems are of varying ages and capacities that need to be understood and measured to identify potential areas of future rehabilitation, investment and growth.

“It has been decades since Ulster County last conducted a comprehensive review of its complete water and sewer infrastructure. With growing communities and new environmental challenges, it is time we take a fresh look to ensure our systems are sustainable, equitable, and capable of supporting future growth," said Chair Peter Criswell, author of the Resolution, “This assessment is not only about protecting public health but also about making smart investments that drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for all residents.”

“A significant roadblock to both economic and housing development in Ulster County is that we lack data and understanding on our current capacity of water and sewer infrastructure. By allowing our Planning Department to study the capability, age, and coverage of these systems, we can highlight prime opportunities for investment in housing and employment opportunities across the County,” said Legislator Megan Sperry, Chair of the Economic Development, Planning, Education, Employment, Arts & Agriculture Committee.