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A Message from Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger |
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Dear friends,
This past week, we got the unfortunate news from the County Department of Public Works that the County Pool in New Paltz will be closed for the season due to significant water leak issues that require major repairs. We are working with other municipal pools to support expanded hours and/or capacity for more guests and will provide updates as we have them.
We also have good news to share in this edition of the newsletter, including a new dedicated source of funding for housing, a new County solar & EV charging grant program, a big victory for protecting water quality in the Lower Esopus, and more.
All my best,
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Recent News & Events
Ulster County Pool Closed for Season Due to Significant Water Loss Issues
The Department of Public Works (DPW) announced that the Ulster County Pool, located at 241 Libertyville Road in New Paltz, will be closed for the season due to ongoing water loss issues. Season pass holders are eligible for a full refund and may contact Jodi Corsa at the Department of Public Works at (845) 340-3103.
The County is working with other municipal pool programs to support the accommodation of additional patrons this season and bolster options for public swimming.
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$15M County Housing Action Fund Gets a Long-term Boost
Ulster County Executive Metzger signed resolution #167 committing 25% of annual occupancy tax revenues to the County’s Housing Action Fund (HAF), helping to ensure continued investment in housing for Ulster County residents that is affordable, energy-efficient, and climate-responsible. Ulster has a 4% occupancy tax, which is a tax on stays in motels, hotels, and short-term rentals. The resolution was proposed by County Executive Metzger and sponsored by Majority Leader Abe Uchitelle, Chair of the Health, Human Services, and Housing Committee, and passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 16 to 6.
Cleaner Waters Ahead for the Lower Esopus
Great news for communities on the Lower Esopus! The NYC Department of Environmental Protection and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) have at long last heard our call and have developed a plan to avoid releases of muddy water from the Ashokan Reservoir into the Lower Esopus Creek.
In another win, DEC responded to the call by the County Executive for better flood modeling and mapping on the Lower Esopus, which is being developed through the Resilient NY program. In the face of climate change, better flood data will improve decision-making about reservoir releases and will also help communities on the Lower Esopus plan flood mitigation measures to protect life and property.
At the County level, the Departments of Planning and the Environment recently concluded an 18-month collaborative effort with local communities and stakeholders to develop the Lower Esopus Stream (LES) Management Plan. Key partners in this plan included the Lower Esopus Creek Advisory Council, municipalities along the creek, the Hudson River Foundation, and the NYSDEC. The Planning Department will continue to work with these partners to build capacity for watershed coordination and advance projects to implement the plan.
Ulster County Grant Program Supports Municipal Solar & EV Charging Projects
The Ulster County government has launched the Solar & Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (SEVI) program, which commits $2.5 million of the County's American Rescue Plan Act funds to support clean energy investments by local governments that reduce reliance on fossil fuels and help mitigate climate change. County Executive Jen Metzger has extended the application deadline to July 19 at the request of local governments.
There has never been a more opportune time for local governments to make clean energy investments. Thanks to the federal Inflation Reduction Act, governments can now take advantage of tax incentives of up to 30-40% of project costs, in addition to state and utility incentives and our SEVI program. Beyond the climate benefits, these investments make fiscal sense, reducing dependence on volatile fossil fuel prices and providing cost savings on electric bills, in the case of solar, and on fuel and routine maintenance costs, in the case of municipal electric vehicles.
The SEVI program will award up to $100,000 to municipalities for solar, EV charging infrastructure, or both, and requires a 50% local match (federal, state, and other funding can be included in the match).
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Safe Start to Summer Road Safety Initiative Takes Off in Ulster County
The County’s Safe Start to Summer campaign has enjoyed enthusiastic community support, with towns across the County participating in an education and enforcement campaign to elevate awareness about the dangers of speeding and distracted driving, and promote a culture of safety and respect on roadways. We all play a part in making our roads safe for everyone!
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14 Graduate from County Jail’s IGNITE Program
Tuesday, July 2, was a big day for 14 men and women in the County Jail, many donning a cap and gown for the first time as they graduated from the County Jail's IGNITE program. Each of them completed one or more programs that will open doors for them, whether it was getting their GED, participating in the Corrections to Careers program with the Carpenters Union, or participating in the Financial Literacy Program with the Hudson Valley Credit Union.
We thank Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa and Superintendent of Corrections Anthony Maggio for their commitment to such positive and innovative programming in our County jail. And a big thank you to Matt Ross, President of Carpenters Local 279, for his partnership with the County Executive and the Sheriff in developing the Corrections to Careers, and for your passion and commitment to giving these men and women a pathway to a great career upon their release.
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Climate Scientist Dr. Anton Seimon Pays a Visit to Ulster County’s Climate Corps
Climate scientist and Bard Research Fellow Dr. Anton Seimon gave a presentation to Ulster County’s Climate Corps interns about global climate changes, its impacts locally and regionally, and what we can expect in the future. For instance, carbon emissions have a long life in the atmosphere, and we are feeling the impacts today of emissions from the burning of fossil fuels over more than a century. We can reduce the severity of future impacts by taking action today to shift away from fossil fuels, while also adapting to changes already occurring. Thank you to Dr. Seimon for taking the time to visit, for sharing your knowledge, and for the great discussion that followed!
The Ulster County Climate Corps is a paid summer internship program for young people to work on climate-related projects in County government. Sixteen high school and college students are participating in this summer’s program.
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Want to Work for the Ulster County Government?
On select Thursdays in June and July, the Restorative Justice Center and Office of Employment & Training will host a series of workshops to help you navigate job opportunities and apply for positions with Ulster County. All workshops will take place at the Center at 3 PM - 5 PM.
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July 18: Alternative Careers
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July 25: Obtaining a Job Offer After Involvement with the Justice System
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Seeking Public Input for our Community Climate Action Plan
Ulster County is developing a county-wide Community Climate Action Plan to reduce climate-damaging emissions and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable, and more resilient county. We can’t do it without you!
Help shape the plan by completing a community survey and participating in our upcoming public webinar to learn about the project and other ways you can participate:
🗓️ Wednesday, July 10
🕖 7 PM - 8 PM
🖥️ Virtual via Zoom (pre-registration is required)
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Grant Opportunity for Ulster County Non-Profits
Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley released their annual grant to provide general operating support to nonprofits in Ulster County. This could be a great opportunity to strike a balance between ambitious programming and the day-to-day operations required to make it all possible. Nonprofits may receive up to $5,000 if awarded.
This information is being provided for the benefit of Ulster Residents, these programs are not operated or controlled by the County of Ulster.
Job Openings in Ulster County
Consider a career in public service and earn a living by making a difference! We have some exciting positions open in the County government. Visit the civil service portal and apply today to join our team, and please help us spread the word! Here are just some of the rewarding positions we're hiring for:
- Assistant County Attorney ($86,932/year)
- Commissioner of Health/Director of Public Health ($120,000-$183,511/year)
- Director of Housing & Homelessness ($75,000/year)
- And more!
The Ulster County Government strictly adheres to the principles of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act and Americans with Disability Act.
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