Molinaro Presents 2017 State of the County
The Dutchess County family… stronger, healthier, safer
Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro presented his 2017 State of the County Address this evening at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park to a packed auditorium of residents, business and not-for-profit leaders, as well as local and state officials. With the County’s fiscal condition secure, including three consecutive years of property tax levy reductions and a commitment to continued property tax relief, the County Executive’s annual message focused on the County’s efforts to provide opportunities for the Dutchess County family to be healthier, safer and stronger.
“The state of Dutchess County is strong,” County Executive told the nearly 600 people in attendance. “As we have successfully worked to improve our overall quality of life and boldly challenge ourselves to build a community that is stronger, healthier, safer and kinder – we know that there is more to be done.”
Among the initiatives highlighted in County Executive Molinaro’s State of the County Address:
- A “Universally Accessible” county park that provides full access and enjoyment to individuals of all abilities. Property in the Town of East Fishkill, adjacent to the Dutchess Rail Trail, is being evaluated and there is the potential for private housing development for accessible housing, enabling those with special needs to live independently.
- Modern facilities to meet the needs of Dutchess County seniors, including the development of a Senior Services Center – a regional innovation center to be created with funding support secured by New York State Senator Sue Serino. Additionally, the County Executive announced plans to relocate the Office for the Aging offices to a more accessible location, making it easier for seniors to take advantage of services and programming.
- The “Path to Promise” Action Plan that includes the $500,000 funding commitment for the comprehensive review of youth services and an additional $1.5 million for the development of a youth services center.
- Addressing behavioral health needs, including the opening of the County’s new Stabilization Center, a 24/7 facility that is unique in New York State, serving as an alternative to emergency rooms or perhaps jail for those experiencing crisis relating to substance abuse and other mental health issues. Other initiatives include confronting the opioid and heroin epidemic with expanded medication drop off points and calling on pharmacies to accept unused medication, as well as working with physicians on Acute Pain Management to better address pain and avoid over prescribing.
The County Executive highlighted the work of the Th!nk Dutchess Alliance for Business, supporting more than $3.2 billion in major investments for projects under construction or planning stages throughout Dutchess County, in every sector from data to healthcare, tourism to agriculture. Among the economic development highlights is the resurgence of the county airport with its new name Hudson Valley Regional Airport where the new Dutchess Community College Aviation Maintenance and Education Center will be built, a partnership with the County that will expand DCC’s aviation curriculum by providing new skills and job opportunities for local residents.
County Executive Molinaro also focused on expanded services for veterans, the work of the newly re-established Human Rights Commission and the multitude of organizations and communities who have joined with Dutchess County Government to lead the statewide movement to “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” and be more welcoming and accommodating to individuals of all abilities.
“Think Dutchess. We don’t just call this place home; we work together to make it stronger. We celebrate our differences, welcome varied points of view, embrace new ideas and seek common ground. Here we seek to learn from one another, respect one another – and with kindness and generosity make the Dutchess County family healthier, safer, and stronger,” concluded County Executive Molinaro.
For County Executive Molinaro’s full 2017 State of the County Address, CLICK HERE
