CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN DELIVERS LANDMARK FUNDING FOR HUDSON VALLEY YOUTH, FIREFIGHTERS, VETERANS, AND FARMWORKERS; FUNDING WILL ALSO BOLSTER ACCESS TO CLEAN DRINKING WATER ACROSS NY-18

March 6, 2024

Congressman Pat Ryan Delivers Landmark Funding for Hudson Valley Youth, Firefighters, Veterans, and Farmworkers; Funding Will Also Bolster Access to Clean Drinking Water Across NY-18

Ryan secures nearly $17 million in federal funding for community projects that will provide safe drinking water, expand youth programming, equip fire departments, house veterans, and bolster local, family farms

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Pat Ryan announced he has secured nearly $17 million in federal funding for community projects that will benefit communities across NY-18 with the House passage of fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills. Among the projects receiving funding are the Boys & Girls Club of Newburgh, the Dutchess County Youth Opportunity Union (YOU), Family Services, Inc. of Poughkeepsie, the Tivoli Volunteer Fire Department, the Rifton Fire District, Rumshock Veterans Village in Orange County, the Otisville 4-H Park, and the Chester Agricultural Center, as well as critical water infrastructure projects for the City of Middletown, the Town of Wappinger, the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson, the Village of Kiryas Joel, the Village of Millerton, and the Village of Warwick. Full descriptions of the Community Funded Projects are below.

“All of these organizations are hugely impactful in their service to Hudson Valley families – they go above and beyond every day to help our communities thrive. It’s my honor to deliver critically-needed support to those serving and strengthening the Hudson Valley,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “I fought tooth and nail to secure this landmark funding to help families across the district, from the Boys & Girls Club in Newburgh, which is going to transform kids' lives for generations to come through their new literacy center, to the Rumshock Veterans Village in Orange, which will provide housing for homeless veterans. The impact these organizations have already had on our communities is undeniable, and I’m proud to deliver these resources to expand their reach and uplift even more lives.”

Descriptions of the Community Project Funding recipients are as follows:

Boys and Girls Club of Newburgh: $4,116,279

“The Boys & Girls Club of Newburgh extends our heartfelt thanks to Congressman Ryan for his unwavering support and dedication in allocating funding for our Community Funded Projects. His commitment to fostering positive change in our community will leave a lasting impact for generations to come,” said Kevin White, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Newburgh. “The Boys & Girls Club will use this funding to establish an Early Literacy Center to ensure all children are reading at grade level by the time they reach 4th grade, a Workforce Development Center to provide mentoring, internships, and job training for young people ages 15-21 creating a pathway to meaningful employment, and a Teen Center to provide a safe space for youth and to ensure they graduate high school and successfully enter college.”

This project will provide funding to rehabilitate several currently unused sections of Boys & Girls Club of Newburgh facilities to establish a Workforce Development Center, Early Literacy Center, and Teen Center. The Workforce Development Center will provide career preparation services to teens ages 14-19. The project is needed to provide low-income youth with access to career preparation services to ensure they are prepared to successfully enter the workforce. The Early Literacy Center will provide early literacy services to low-income children in grades K-3 to ensure they are reading at grade level and on track for academic success by the time they leave 3rd grade. The Teen Center will provide a safe space for local teens to escape the crime, drugs, gangs, and violence that surrounds them and will become the home of the Diplomas 2 Degrees program that works with youth in grades 9-12 to ensure they graduate high school and successfully enter college with the financial and social supports needed to graduate and enter the workforce.

Dutchess County “Youth Opportunity Union”(YOU): $1,050,000

“The federal funds announced today will support critical infrastructure throughout our community, including the countywide Youth Opportunity Union we’ve long envisioned, in turn benefiting countless Dutchess County residents,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “Each of these projects highlights a specific priority for our county – whether it’s youth and family development, public safety or clean water – and we thank Rep. Ryan for his efforts to secure these funds.”

The Youth Opportunity Union will re-develop the approximately 3.35-acre site of the former Dutchess YMCA in the City of Poughkeepsie — which has been vacant and became increasingly deteriorated since the YMCA's closing in 2009 — into the Youth Opportunity Union ("The YOU"), a youth-focused community center designed via an intensive community-outreach process to feature an innovative cradle-to-career spectrum of recreational; early childcare and learning; enrichment; and health and wellness facilities and programs, as well as serving as the hub of Dutchess County's Path to Promise cradle-to-career system of youth and family services. The funding from the CFP will specifically go towards funding a multipurpose community center at the YMCA to ensure that kids will have a space to gather in this city where many community spaces have been shuttered in the past decade.

Family Services, Inc.: $1,000,000

“We are so thankful to Congressman Ryan for supporting the work of Family Services Family Partnership Center which is integral to the safety and well-being of the community,” said Leah Feldman, CEO of Family Services, Inc. “Asbestos abatement is a critical component of environmental justice, ensuring the protection of both human health and the environment. Communities, such as the City of Poughkeepsie often bear a disproportionate burden of environmental hazards, including asbestos-related illnesses. This funding will contribute to the broader goal of rectifying environmental injustices, promoting health equity, and safeguarding vulnerable populations.”

With this funding, Family Services, Inc. will conduct critical facility improvements at the Family Partnership Center in Poughkeepsie, New York, in order to increase the safety, accessibility, and long-term sustainability of its services and programs as well as those of the 20 human services organizations located in the building, providing critical behavioral services and other services. Family Services Inc., a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, has embarked on a multi-faceted capital project in order to increase the safety, accessibility, and long-term sustainability of the Family Partnership Center (FPC), located in the heart of Poughkeepsie. Project components include: 1) asbestos encapsulation in the main building and adjacent annex; 2) floor and ceiling replacements in both buildings; and 3) renovations of currently inaccessible bathrooms in the main building.

The Rumshock Veterans Village Project: $1,000,000

“The Rumshock Veterans Foundation is grateful for Rep. Pat Ryan’s continued support and dedication to helping the veterans community of Orange County, New York,” said Bill Whetsel, President and Founder of the Rumshock Veterans Foundation. “We are excited in continuing our mission of helping every single veteran that is in need and creating a community to support the heroes that served and continue to serve our nation. This is a small step in the process of completing our mission, but we are confident that we will continue to do right by the people that helped protect the freedom of the United States of America.”

This project will build ten one bedroom one bathroom houses for homeless veterans. Veterans who participate in the program would be able to live in these units for a reduced cost, which would help address housing instability and reduce financial stressors. At its completion, the Rumshock Veteran Village will provide veterans with a range of valuable skills and experiences that will help them reintegrate into civilian life and pursue meaningful careers. By offering affordable housing and support services, the program could help reduce housing instability, financial stressors, and other challenges that contribute to veteran homelessness and suicide.

The Rifton Fire District: $500,000

“On behalf of the Rifton Fire District, we would like to thank Congressman Ryan for his support through the Community Funded Projects Program,” said Serina Bass, Secretary of the Rifton Fire Board of Commissioners. “This funding will be instrumental to the much-needed rebuilding of the fire hall and for the community and volunteer members to move forward reconnecting in a safe environment.”

These funds will be used for the construction of a fire department, which is a necessary community facility serving the public good and promoting the safety of the surrounding area. The building that the fire department operates in was built in 1943 and requires necessary renovations and upgrades to be useable. This project ensures that the Rifton Fire Department will remain in operation and continue to serve the community of Rifton, NY and surrounding areas. Additionally, the building would continue to serve as a popular gathering location for local residents. This project will support essential community infrastructure for a rural community.

The Tivoli Volunteer Fire Department: $500,000

“Since the Tivoli Firehouse endured a devastating fire years back we have been dedicated to rebuilding both in growing our volunteer department to now one of the largest in the region and expanding our training and mutual aid,” said Marc Hildenbrand, Assistant Fire Chief of Tivoli Fire Department. “The commitment that our Congressman Pat Ryan has made by prioritizing the firehouse in his Community Funded Projects is one more essential step forward in realizing our expansion to not only support our entire service area but to invest back in these incredible volunteers donating countless hours that our families, neighbors and friends rely on each and everyday.”

The Tivoli Volunteer Fire Department is the primary source of emergency services for the Village of Tivoli and several surrounding communities making it a high interest and priority for local taxpayers. With over 100 years in service, the Tivoli Firehouse serves as a vital regional Fire Department to communities that include Tivoli, Red Hook and all of Bard College along with mutual aid into Clermont and Germantown. Since the pandemic the Tivoli Firehouse has more than doubled in size providing essential rescue, fire, medical and mutual aid support to thousands of residents making this expansion critical in not only serving the community but to expand its community service. These tireless volunteers are on a call 365 days a year and participate in over 7,000 hours annual in emergency, rescue and medical. The Tivoli Firehouse also provides the interior fire training for all of upper Dutchess County neighboring fire houses. This expansion will ensure continued access to emergency, medical and fire services in this rural community. This project will support essential community infrastructure for a rural community.

The City of Middletown Water Infrastructure Project: $959,752

“Middletown is grateful to be one of Congressman Ryan’s Community Funded Projects,” said Middletown Mayor Joe DeStefano. “The funding will help us replace a water main that dates back to 1902 and create resilient water infrastructure that will service Middletown families with the clean water they deserve for generations to come.”

This project will replace an extremely old and compromised 24-inch raw water main; perhaps the most critical piece of a raw water collection, storage, and transmission system, which includes five reservoirs and over 40,000 linear feet of 20-inch and larger interconnection and transmission piping. The existing line, constructed in 1902, has been in service beyond its useful life. This project will ensure that the City can continue to provide a Clean Water Act compliant water source.

The Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson: $959,752

“We are very grateful and appreciative of Congressman Ryan’s effort to secure funding through the Congressional Community Project program,” said Michael Trainor, the Water Superintendent for the Greater Cornwall area. “This funding will enable our water system to extend its water mains to an under-served area of the Cornwall Water District along the Angola Road corridor. Once completed, this project will allow area residents to connect to a municipally owned and maintained water main; eliminating the concern of an inadequate water supply that they have endured for several decades. This is an excellent example of our local elected officials, Cornwall-on-Hudson Village Mayor James A. Gagliano and Cornwall Town Supervisor Joshua Wojehowski, working together along with Congressman Ryan to the benefit of all residents of the Greater Cornwall Area.”

This project will replace an aging water distribution system that is badly deteriorated and leaking at a rate of more than 450 times the expected daily water use by the homes which are connected to it. This project would install a publicly owned water distribution system to prevent contamination caused by leaks or breaks. This project will ensure that the town can provide Safe Drinking Water compliant water source.

The Village of Kiryas Joel: $2,000,000

This project will help address the Seven Springs Road Drinking Water Treatment Facility. This project will ensure the municipality can complete this major element of the broader capital program to tap into the New York City aqueduct and will relieve strain on local groundwater resources, bolster the economic base, and provide for community and environmental sustainability. This project will ensure that the town can improve water quality in compliance with the Clean Water Act.

The Village of Millerton: $959,752

“Better Together: Congressman Ryan’s vital support of a shared wastewater system has helped fuel the collaborative effort between the Village of Millerton and the Town of North East, exemplifying the transformative power of partnership,” said Millerton Mayor Jenn Najdek. “This crucial funding not only addresses immediate environmental concerns but also paves the way for economic growth, improved public health and making sure our communities thrive for years to come.”

This project will construct a new wastewater system. The new wastewater system will consist of an alternative type collection system called a septic tank effluent pumped (STEP) system and an innovative packed bed media filter water resource recovery system. This new wastewater system will replace failing on-site wastewater systems including cesspools and leach fields. The age and condition of existing systems present a serious environmental challenge to the ground water and surface water of the Housatonic Watershed. The proposed district encompasses the Village General Business District, commercial areas along Route 22, the Town of North East Boulevard District along Route 44, and surrounding residential parcels in the Village. The new wastewater system will provide businesses and potential residential development the wastewater management capacity for expansion, ensuring the communities' sustainable economic growth. This project will ensure that the town can improve water quality in compliance with the Clean Water Act.

The Town of Wappinger Safe Drinking Water Project: $959,752

“Offering clean, safe, and reliable drinking water to our residents is a top priority to our Town government,” said Wappinger Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini. “In working with Congressman Ryan to obtain this crucial funding, the Town of Wappinger will focus our efforts to not only sustain, but strengthen our water supply to those who live here, first and foremost. On behalf of all in our community who will benefit from this funding, we are grateful for this commitment and eager to see its lasting benefits for generations to come.”

The Town of Wappinger requires federal funding to deploy 5,300 linear feet of eight inch water main and 6,300 linear feet of ten inch water main along town and state roads in the Route 9 corridor. This project will establish critical redundancies in the existing United Wappinger Water District, provide safe and clean municipally-sourced water to residential & commercial properties, and provide critical inter-connections in the event of current source water failure. This project will ensure that the town can provide Clean Drinking Water compliant water source.

The Village of Warwick: $959,752

“The Village of Warwick is grateful and excited for the support of an important water infrastructure project,” said Warwick Mayor Michael Newhard. “Well No. 3 is a critical link in our drinking water system. The upgrades will allow for essential back up during drought and a redundancy for system repairs. The Well has been offline for a number of years and we are pleased that we can move forward on this project. It allows for water security for years to come. On behalf of the Village Trustees, our team, staff and consultants and the residents of the Village of Warwick I want to express our thanks and appreciation to Congressman Ryan for his support.”

The proposed project will improve the drinking water supply in the Village of Warwick, and is of critical importance not just to the immediate area, but to the broader NY-18 Congressional District. Access to safe and reliable drinking water is a basic public health requirement and is essential for the well-being of all residents in the district. This project will ensure that the town can provide Safe Drinking Water compliant water source.

Chester Farmworker Housing: $1,000,000

“Chester Agricultural Center’s Affordable Housing project provides much needed housing for both farmers and farmworkers who are producing on the adjacent Black Dirt agricultural area. This innovative model includes approximately 23 units of affordable housing, a farm stand, an education/event space, and a commercial kitchen,” said Sara Katz, Executive Director, Chester Agricultural Center. “ The Project aims to serve as a leading model of environmentally-friendly sustainable mixed-use development by (1) operating with an ownership entity that provides affordable housing and equity-building opportunities, (2) promoting financial stability and strengthening households across various income levels and socioeconomic backgrounds, (3) incorporating environmentally conscious building designs, functions, and facility placements, and (4) educating future generations of farmers and agritourists on a replicable sustainable farming model.”

The Farmer and Farmworkers affordable Housing project is being sponsored by the Chester Agricultural Center (CAC), a nonprofit organization that aims to help grow an equitable and inclusive regional food system. The CAC sees a future where land is affordable to diverse and aspiring farmers, where food is accessible to all, and where we respect and steward the unique soils and ecosystem in our care. The project will include affordable housing units to be occupied by aspiring farmers and farmworkers. The units will be located on land currently owned by the CAC which is upland to the black dirt farms in the area. The project will also include a multi-purpose community center that will be used by the farmers and project residents as well as the greater Chester community to support both community events and agritourism.

Otisville 4-H Expansion: $1,000,000

“The Education Center & 4-H Park is a cherished local asset, poised for enhancements with Community Project Funding. Installing street lighting, expanding its infrastructure, and paving the way for year-round utilization, will unlock the Park’s full potential,” said Lucy Joyce, Executive Director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension, Orange County. “Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County is grateful for Congressman Ryan’s dedication and looks forward to serving even more individuals through expanded programming opportunities.”

This project will extend the 4-H Park facilities through infrastructure expansion. Core components include winterizing a barn, installing lights on the outdoor arena, adding street lights throughout the Park, extending water and electric hookups, construction of a livestock barn and development of a camping area for 4-H’ers, Scouts, and other youth groups. Currently, the 4-H Park is primarily used seasonally and in the daytime. The benefits of the requested infrastructure improvements will increase the number of activities and types of activities exponentially. These activities can be supported and can extend operations into the evening and nighttime use year-round. The 4-H Park is located adjacent to an elementary school, town park, and an operating dairy farm. The Town of Mount Hope is proud of its farming heritage and highlights this facility in its Master Plan as both supporting agriculture and economic development.

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