Unprecedented Investment Is Possible Due To The County’s Continued Fiscal Responsibility 

Kingston, NY– Ulster County Executive Mike Hein announces the details of the unprecedented investment in the County’s roads and bridges slated to begin this year as described in the County Executive’s 2015 Budget and State of the County Address.  The County is allocating $3.5 million to leverage over $10 million to fund infrastructure projects to repair, upgrade and replace roads and bridges throughout the County.  Plans include increasing safety by widening road shoulders for pedestrian and bike use, using new geo-stabilization technology to avoid hillside collapses, and providing temporary co-located bridges in some highly populated areas to reduce negative economic impacts.

“This unprecedented investment in Ulster County’s infrastructure is made possible because of our fiscal responsibility over the past six years,” said County Executive Mike Hein.  “We are at a pivotal time as a state and as a nation with aging infrastructure built in the 50’s and 60’s in need of major repairs and overhaul.  My administration has focused on fiscal responsibility to ensure that we have the funds to invest in the County’s infrastructure as we work to build a better Ulster County.   This is an opportunity for us to not only repair and rebuild roads and bridges but to improve them by making them safer for residents and using new technology.  I look forward to partnering with the Legislature in making this unprecedented investment in our roads and bridges a reality.”

Some of the many designated infrastructure improvements include:

• The area in front of Highland High School will be paved and widened to accommodate greater pedestrian use for the safety of parents and students alike   
• Lucas Avenue will be widened in specific areas including an area in front of a busy daycare center to improve safety
• The shoulder in front of the Ulster County Fairgrounds will be widened to enhance pubic safety and improve access
• The connection from the Rosendale trestle down to the business district below will be improved
• The route from the Bridge Street Bridge in Phoenicia into town will see a new shoulder for residents and tourists alike
• The Wallkill Bridge is scheduled to have steel rail replacement along with concrete and sidewalk repair to coincide with the 100 year anniversary of this historic Bridge

Susan Plonski, Esq., the County Executive’s nominee to become the new Commissioner of Department of Public Works

“This is an important opportunity for the people of Ulster County and I look forward to ensuring that the County Executive’s vision for building a better Ulster County happens on time and on budget,” said Susan Plonski, Esq., the County Executive’s nominee to become the new Commissioner of Public Works.

Peter M. Loughran, Ulster County Legislator and Deputy Chairman of the Public Works and Captial Projects Committee

“I am proud to partner with the County Executive to deliver greatly enhanced roads and bridges at this critical time,” said Peter M. Loughran, Ulster County Legislator and Deputy Chairman of the Public Works and Capital Projects Committee.

Dean Fabiano, Ulster County Legislator

“I fully support this critical investment in Ulster County’s infrastructure,” said Dean Fabiano, Ulster County Legislator.  “Infrastructure in any municipality should be the first priority as it helps attract people and businesses to the area.”

Hector Rodriguez, Ulster County Legislator

“This is fantastic for New Paltz,” said Hector Rodriguez, Ulster County Legislator.  “I’m so happy to partner with the County Executive in making this vital investment for our town as well as the County.  We recognize infrastructure as one of the most vital community and economic development investments we can make.”