Skoufis Announces $3M in Senate Funding

Senator James Skoufis (D-Orange County) joined Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther to announce a significant investment that will enable major renovation of the former federal courthouse, now owned by the city. Sitting vacant since the city’s purchase, Middletown is required to undertake a major renovation of the building before consolidating its currently scattered courtrooms. The $3 million grant was secured by Senator James Skoufis to move forward with the long-stalled project. Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther secured initial funding several years ago to allow Middletown to purchase the building.

The 25 South Street courthouse in Middletown, previously federally owned, was officially closed in 2015, after which court proceedings had to be split between two city locations. This renovation will allow the City of Middletown to combine all proceedings into one location, making it more functional and efficient.

“I was delighted to secure this important funding for Middletown,” said Senator Skoufis.

“The city is in the midst of a true revival, and deserves to have a safe, convenient, functional space in which to conduct judicial proceedings. This is no small undertaking, but the rehabilitation of this courthouse is a long-term investment that will benefit not only the residents of Middletown, but all of Orange County.”

“This project has been years in the making, with several frustrating bumps along the way,” said Mayor DeStefano. “We are thankful to Assemblywoman Gunther for granting us funds to initially buy the building, and incredibly grateful to Senator Skoufis for providing the necessary funding to get the project off and running.”

“I am very pleased to be able to celebrate this historic investment in the renovation of Middletown’s city courthouse,” said Assemblywoman Gunther. “The $3 million State Senate Grant secured by Senator Skoufis, along with the $2.7 million secured by me in 2016, represent the great work that can be accomplished when our tax dollars are brought back home.”