Molinaro Announces More Than $2 Million in Municipal Investment Grant Awards

Molinaro Announces More Than $2 Million
in Municipal Investment Grant Awards

Utilizing ARP funds, County awards the largest total in program history

Poughkeepsie, NY…Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced $2,036,717 is being awarded for 28 projects through the Municipal Investment Grant (MIG) program, benefiting 20 communities in Dutchess County. These projects will support shared services and emergency sustainability operations, promote recreational and accessibility opportunities for children and families, and generate cost savings for taxpayers.

County Executive Molinaro had originally allocated $1 million in funding for the 2021 MIG program. In July, the Dutchess County Legislature allocated an additional $1 million to the program in American Rescue Plan funds, through the American Rescue Plan through “Dutchess Invests.” The $2 million total is the largest in the eight-year history of the MIG program, which awards grants to municipalities that address the County’s priorities and needs, promote shared services and consolidation efforts, and implement accessibility improvements, with the overall goal of supporting local government efforts to reduce the property tax levy; not every municipality in Dutchess County applied for 2021 MIG funding.

County Executive Molinaro said, “Through our ‘Dutchess Invests’ initiative, Dutchess County has been able to award more Municipal Investment Grant funds this year than ever, supporting municipal initiatives that ultimately produce shared services among communities and generate savings for taxpayers. Over the years, the program has evolved to meet the needs and priorities of Dutchess County and its local municipalities. We are grateful to the Dutchess County Legislature for its ongoing support of the MIG program, and we look forward to the implementation of these critical and impactful projects that will result in long-term benefits for residents.”

Formerly known as the Municipal Innovation Grant program, the current Municipal Investment Grant program focuses on projects that include redevelopment to local municipal parks to enhance and expand recreational opportunities and quality of life for all residents, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-accessibility improvements at public facilities, critical infrastructure for emergency preparedness, general shared services that result in taxpayer savings and efficiencies, and improvements to general municipal operations.

Projects funded through the 2021 Municipal Investment Grant program, totaling $2,036,717, include:

Upgrades to Mutual Aid Emergency Response Equipment

Project Award:  $40,600

Awarded Municipality:  City of Poughkeepsie

Project Description: Replace and upgrade existing public safety and emergency response equipment, including the City of Poughkeepsie’s mutual aid river rescue boat, Rescue One.

Critical Upgrades to Lifesaving Tools

Project Award: $35,000

Awarded Municipality: Town of Amenia

Project Description: Upgrade existing lifesaving rescue tools to expedite and improve extrication during motor vehicle accidents and emergencies.

Dalton Farms Water and Wastewater Expansion Feasibility Study

Project Award: $40,000

Awarded Municipality: Town of Beekman

Project Description: In partnership with the Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority, the town will hire a consultant to examine the existing water and wastewater facilities at Dalton Farms to determine the feasibility of expansion to serve the Beekman Town Center district.

Emergency Generator for Government Operations

Project Award: $50,000

Awarded Municipality: Town of Beekman

Project Description: Install a generator at Beekman Town Hall which will provide a warming center for residents as well as continuity of operations for town government during significant weather events and power outages.

J.H. Ketcham Memorial Park Community Center Pavilion, Sensory Garden, and Inclusive Transformation of the Children’s Playground

Project Award: $75,000

Awarded Municipality: Town of Dover

Project Description: Construct an open-air pavilion at J.H. Ketcham Memorial Park, providing a convenient outdoor meeting space for town residents, as well as update the existing playground equipment to incorporate inclusive features that benefit children of all abilities, and add a sensory garden to the playground area.

Emergency Generator for Heating & Cooling Center

Project Award: $50,000

Awarded Municipality: Town of East Fishkill

Project Description: Install a generator at East Fishkill Town Hall which will serve as a heating and cooling center for southern Dutchess County residents during long-term power outages and disruptions.

Pocket Parks for Intersection of Route 82 & The Empire State Rail Trail

Project Award: $76,800

Awarded Municipality: Town of East Fishkill

Project Description: Construct two pocket parks to provide for enhanced pedestrian safety at the intersection, as well as increased tourism to the town’s local businesses. The parks will feature water fountains, bike racks and benches.

Emergency Generator for Fire Station

Project Award: $25,000

Awarded Municipality: Town of Fishkill

Project Description: Install an emergency generator at Rombout Fire Department’s Station 2 location, providing for continued and uninterrupted communications and response systems for more than 25,000 residents.

Hackett Hill Park Inclusive Playground

Project Award: $170,000

Awarded Municipality: Town of Hyde Park

Project Description: Construct an ADA-accessible playground, including sensory components, quiet areas for overstimulation, and rubber surfacing. The project will include paving of the parking area and the creation of a paved walkway, allowing for ease of access to the playground.

Four in One Baseball Field

Project Award: $70,000

Awarded Municipality: Town of Milan

Project Description: Restore the baseball field at Milan Recreation Park which will result in a multi-purpose use field for residents and athletic teams in northern Dutchess County, including little leagues, junior leagues, and senior leagues, as well as girls and men’s softball teams.

Shared Highway Garage – Phase III

Project Award: $250,000

Awarded Municipalities: Town of North East and Village of Millerton

Project Description: Construct a shared, energy-efficient highway garage with anticipated capital and operational savings exceeding $625,000. The new highway garage will be located on a town-owned parcel on Route 22 and will include a heavy-duty hydraulic lift, enabling both the town and village to service and repair municipal vehicles and equipment inhouse.

 

Lathrop Building Cooling Center/Emergency Shelter Standby Power Generator

Project Award: $50,000

Awarded Municipalities: Town and Village of Pawling

Project Description: Install a standby generator, propane fuel tank, and transfer switch to allow for the town’s Lathrop Building to be configured as a central and accessible critical emergency shelter and cooling center for town and village residents during emergencies and long-term power outages.

Wastewater District Formation

Project Award: $32,600

Awarded Municipality: Town of Pine Plains

Project Description: Following the completion of a sewer feasibility study, the town will hire a consultant to assist with the preparatory requirements needed to form a wastewater district. The district would provide town residents and businesses with critical infrastructure for long-term sustainability.

 

All-Terrain Wheelchairs for Town Parks and Trails

Project Award: $7,530

Awarded Municipality: Town of Pine Plains

Project Description: Purchase two all-terrain wheelchairs for use by children and adults at town parks, trails, and the town’s public beach at Stissing Lake, giving residents and visitors of all abilities the opportunity to enjoy the town’s recreational offerings.

Stissing Lake Beach Park Wheelchair Accessible Playground

Project Award: $70,000

Awarded Municipality: Town of Pine Plains

Project Description: Purchase and install a Bridging Pathways Playground at the beach park at Stissing Lake. The playground will be fully inclusive and wheelchair accessible, while providing multiple and varied play components for all children to enjoy.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Odor Control

Project Award: $129,015

Awarded Municipalities: Towns of Poughkeepsie and Wappinger and Village of Wappingers Falls

Project Description: The Tri-Municipal Sewer Commission, which includes the Towns of Poughkeepsie and Wappinger and the Village of Wappingers Falls, will install a woodchip-based odor control system at the Tri-Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant, resulting in a reduction in operational costs and improvement to the quality of life for those who live, work, and recreate near the plant.

Joint Water Meter Replacement

Project Award: $147,400

Awarded Municipalities: Town of Poughkeepsie, City of Poughkeepsie, and Village of Wappingers Falls

Project Description: In partnership with the Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority, replace and upgrade existing water meters and connected infrastructure components throughout the Town of Poughkeepsie, City of Poughkeepsie, and Village of Wappingers Falls. The new meters will provide for greater accuracy, efficiency, reduced maintenance, and conservation of water.

Leaf Vacuum

Project Award: $45,000

Awarded Municipality: Town of Poughkeepsie

Project Description: Purchase a one-armed leaf vacuum for the town’s highway department for the purpose of clearing leaves and debris from public spaces throughout the town. The new equipment will result in a reduction in departmental expenditures and savings to staff time.

Police Department IT Improvements

Project Award: $45,000

Awarded Municipality: Town of Poughkeepsie

Project Description: Replace outdated IT hardware and software for the town police department, including a Watchguard server to store evidentiary video recorded from patrol cars, record redaction software, and two mobile data terminals, consisting of laptops and mounting components for two police patrol cars.

Portable Emergency Generators with Light Towers

Project Award: $31,000

Awarded Municipality: Town of Poughkeepsie

Project Description: Purchase three portable emergency generators with LED light towers for use throughout the town during emergencies and extended power outages. The generators will enhance the town police department’s ability to maintain power in critical locations and facilities, support search and rescue response operations, and help navigate and evacuate areas, if necessary.

Town Hall and Community Center Generators

Project Award: $50,000

Awarded Municipality: Town of Red Hook

Project Description: Purchase and install two emergency generators, one at the Red Hook Town Hall and one at the Red Hook Community Center, which serves as an Office for the Aging Senior Friendship Center and as a heating and cooling center during extended power outages.

St. Margaret’s Cultural Center—ADA-Accessibility Improvements

Project Award: $47,136

Awarded Municipality: Town of Red Hook

Project Description: In partnership with the Red Hook Public Library, construct an ADA-accessible single-use bathroom as well as paths and a ramp to the porch entrance at the historical St. Margaret’s Cultural Center. The center will be used to host educational and recreational programs for the community as well as summer programming for children.

Reese Cultural Center Infrastructure Improvements

Project Award: $50,000

Awarded Municipality: Town of Wappinger

Project Description: As part of a larger renovation project, install new plumbing and HVAC at the Reese Cultural Center at Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park. The center is being converted into a community and senior center which will provide for expanded space for recreational and senior programming.

 

Eddie Collins Memorial Park Revitalization—Phase I

Project Award: $328,000

Awarded Municipalities: Village of Millerton and Town of North East

Project Description: As part of a multi-year transformation of Eddie Collins Memorial Park, upgrade the existing wheelchair-accessible playground to include new equipment and rubberized surfacing. Additional improvements will include the construction of a soccer field/multi-use venue, two basketball courts, accessible seating, an ADA-compliant parking lot, walkways, and new landscaping throughout the park.

IT Upgrades for Police Department

Project Award: $17,881

Awarded Municipality: Village of Red Hook

Project Description: Upgrade existing police department computers and servers to increase efficiency and enhance storage of video footage from body-worn cameras.

Police Department Equipment

Project Award: $28,755

Awarded Municipality: Village of Rhinebeck

Project Description: Purchase a license plate reader, in-car camera, computer hardware, and record keeping software to improve departmental operations.

Sewer System Generator

Project Award: $50,000

Awarded Municipality: Village of Tivoli

Project Description: In partnership with the Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority, design, purchase, and install an emergency generator and required components for the Village of Tivoli Sewer System Pump Station. The generator will provide for continued functionality of the pump station, safeguarding the public’s health and reducing potential environmental hazards.

Village Hall Generator

Project Award: $25,000

Awarded Municipality: Village of Tivoli

Project Description: Purchase and install a standby generator and necessary electrical components at Tivoli Village Hall to provide for continued government functions, support of incident command activities, and shelter for residents during prolonged power outages.

Legislator Thomas L. Keith said, “These Municipal Investment Grant awards will have such a positive impact on residents throughout Dutchess County, and I’m proud of my colleagues in the Dutchess County Legislature who see both the value of the MIG program and the people it serves. This historic $2 million investment in our county and its residents is unprecedented, and the funding decisions we have made today will benefit our neighbors throughout Dutchess County for years to come.”

In 2021, the MIG Program continues to fund the Dutchess County Drug Task Force and the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) – Juvenile Detective. The Dutchess County Drug Task Force, awarded $790,305, promotes public safety while saving taxpayers money by providing a shared countywide undercover unit charged with reducing the sale and distribution of narcotics and drug crimes, working in partnership with the state police and the sheriff’s department. The Child Advocacy Center (CAC) – Juvenile Detective, awarded $75,000, is a countywide law enforcement program that provides an array of services (e.g., safety plans, evidence gathering, referrals) during the investigative phase of a sexual or physical abuse allegation against children.

Additional information about the MIG program is available online.

Author: Harlem Valley News