Molinaro Highlights Fire & Rescue Focus as County Opens Municipal Investment Grant Program Application Process

Molinaro Highlights Fire & Rescue Focus as County Opens Municipal Investment Grant Program Application Process

 

MIG applications accepted online through May 4th  


 

Poughkeepsie … Dutchess County Marc Molinaro announced today the County’s Department of Planning and Development has opened the application process for the 2022 Municipal Investment Grant (MIG) Program, with approximately $4 million available through a competitive grant process to entities which have taxing authority, including cities, towns, villages, fire districts, and water and wastewater public authorities, prioritizing projects that partner with other municipalities and taxing authorities, develop shared services, align with the County’s priorities and needs, and create savings for taxpayers.

In addition to providing funding for traditional MIG municipal projects, this year’s MIG program is prioritizing fire and rescue agencies, including municipal, non-profit and established fire districts, as highlighted by County Executive Molinaro in his 2022 Executive Budget. This year’s MIG program also focuses on two additional areas:

General Shared Services: Transformative municipal cooperative activities that result in fiscal and operational efficiencies and/or cost savings, while optimizing municipal resources and providing an equal or better level of service. Priority will be given to entities that identify and demonstrate best practices that will result in immediate savings, shared services, efficiencies, or an increase to the municipal tax base, while demonstrating a long-lasting community impact, including a reduction of the property tax levy.

Community Development: Projects that improve the quality of life for residents and strengthen and develop communities. Eligible projects include public facilities and improvements, water and wastewater, and environmental sustainability.

County Executive Molinaro said, “The safety and well-being of Dutchess County residents is a top priority, and providing critical funding for local fire districts to enhance their ability to respond to emergencies is an important step in protecting our residents, hence the focus on these life-saving agencies in this year’s Municipal Investment Grant Program. I encourage communities and other eligible bodies, including fire districts, to develop innovative applications and pursue this funding opportunity to better serve all those who live, work and raise a family in Dutchess County.”

Through the MIG program, Dutchess County will continue to fund general shared services that result in cost savings, with a focus on redevelopment and improvements to existing municipal parks and recreation areas, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility improvements at public facilities, construction of new sidewalks and connector trails, and critical improvements to infrastructure and facilities.

Additional information, application instructions and guidance about the 2022 MIG Program is available online. Applications will be accepted via an online portal through May 4th at 3 p.m., and awards will be announced in summer 2022.

Author: Harlem Valley News