Four Community Grant Projects Completed

GOSHEN – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus and Community Development Director Nicole Andersen have announced the completion of four projects worth a total of $725,000 through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The projects are in the Towns of Woodbury and Chester and the Villages of Walden and Chester.

These awards enable communities to address local needs by pursuing a variety of infrastructure, ADA accessibility, and community development projects.

“These projects help municipalities improve quality of life, create construction jobs and increase access to services for residents with disabilities and the senior population,” Neuhaus said. “The County continues to partner with municipalities to ensure they can access the most effective resources, including federal grant programs. From infrastructure upgrades to accessibility, these awards will help communities prepare for the future by building a strong foundation for residents and businesses.”

The four completed CDBG projects are:
Village of Chester Infiltration and Inflow (I&I) improvements to sanitary sewer mains, $375,000: The funding allowed Chester to replace mains which were identified to have excessive I&I. Previously, the Village was over its allocation with the Orange County Sewer District No. 1 agreement and could no longer allow additional users to connect to the existing sanitary sewer collection system.

Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center (PAC) ADA Improvements, $125,000: The Town of Chester recently completed ADA improvements in the parking areas of the Sugar Loaf PAC, including the paving of the front and back parking lots, and ADA parking signage and striping.

Village of Walden Sanitary Sewer Smoke Testing and Lining, $100,000: This project ensures adequate service to the residents and businesses within the Village and that no sewer overflows occur and reduces the potential for contamination to ground and surface resources such as the Wallkill River.

Town of Woodbury Library and Senior Center Improvements, $125,000: The Town made ADA improvements to the Senior Center and Library, including ADA entrance ramps and doors which will increase accessibility for seniors and residents with disabilities.

The CDBG program enables local governments to undertake a variety of projects intended to create suitable living environments and generate economic opportunities principally for people with low to moderate income. CDBG and HOME funds are allocated annually to Orange County through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by the Orange County Office of Community Development.

“These projects can be an enormous burden on already strained local budgets and I am pleased that we are able to support our local partners through the CDBG program,” Neuhaus added. “I would like to thank the members of the CDBG and Advisory Committee, Nicole Andersen and our Office of Community Development staff, and our municipal partners for working together to complete these important projects for County residents.”