County Executive Ryan calls for an Equitable Economic Recovery, focused on housing, mental health, and aiding small businesses to emerge from the pandemic stronger and more resilient
County Executive Ryan announces a series of public hearings and an online survey to engage the public on how the County can utilize the funds to best serve the community
KINGSTON, NY – Today, Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan signed a resolution unanimously passed by the Legislature authorizing the County to accept $34.49 million in federal relief funds from the American Rescue Plan. On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act providing significant funding to state and local governments. Towns, cities, and villages within the county will also be receiving direct aid from this Act, estimated to be in excess of $25 million.
“Ulster County is committed to leveraging these once-in-a-generation direct relief funds to ensure that we come out the pandemic stronger and more resilient than before,” said County Executive Pat Ryan. “This is an exceptional opportunity to create a lasting impact on the lives of our residents by creating an Equitable Economic Recovery. As a County, we must seriously look at making critical investments in housing, mental health, helping our small businesses, and more.”
“Listening to the community to inform investments is a top priority of the Ulster County Recovery and Resilience Working Group,” said Legislative Chairman David Donaldson. “These hearings will provide an opportunity for residents to shape how this funding is used and participate in the process. I look forward to working with the Working Group, the Legislature, and County Executive Ryan to ensure the $34.49 million we will receive in federal funding will have a significant and positive impact on as many residents as possible.”
“This funding will be critical in supporting Ulster County emerging from the pandemic better and smarter than before,” said County Legislature Minority Leader Kenneth Ronk. “We are looking forward to receiving feedback from the community on how we can best invest resources to directly serve residents and build a stronger future for our residents. Thank you County Executive Ryan and my legislative colleagues for your partnership on this and I look forward to working together with you and the working group as we push ahead.”
“The American Rescue Plan funding is an incredible opportunity to invest in our community and help build a stronger Ulster County,” said Democratic Majority Leader Jonathan Heppner. “I look forward to working with County Executive Ryan, Chairman Donaldson, and Leader Ronk as part of the Recovery and Resilience Group and the entire Legislature to receive public input and put forth the best possible actions with these funds. I also want to thank President Biden, Senate Majority Leader Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and Congressman Delgado for their efforts and support of our county.”
Earlier this month, County Executive Ryan and Ulster County Legislative Chairman Dave Donaldson announced the formation of the Ulster County Recovery and Resilience Working Group. The Working Group will establish high-level priorities and goals to best utilize forthcoming federal relief funds, ensuring the County emerges from the pandemic stronger and more equitable. The Working Group will engage with the public directly to help inform investment priorities and anticipates a draft plan to be submitted to the Legislature for review and approval within 90 days. Public engagement sessions have been arranged to hear directly from the community on potential investments.
The following public hearings have been set:
June 2nd, 6:00-7:00 p.m., Shawangunk Town Hall
June 7th, 6:00-7:00 p.m., Ulster County Legislative Chambers (also live-streamed)
June 9th, 6:00-7:00 p.m., Onteora Central School District (Building TBD)
Additionally, members of the public are encouraged to visit Ulstercountyny.gov/ARP and fill out a survey. This survey will be used to incorporate public feedback into the County’s use of approximately the funding provided by the American Rescue Plan.
The Recovery and Resilience Working Group is be made up of the following members:
- David B. Donaldson, Chairman of the Ulster County Legislature
- Kenneth J. Ronk, Jr., Minority Leader, Ulster County Legislature
- Jonathan R. Heppner, Majority Leader, Ulster County Legislature
- Evelyn Wright, Deputy County Executive
- Burt Gulnick, Commissioner of Finance and Budget Director
- Christopher Kelly, Deputy Budget Director