Ulster County Secures $2M Grant for New Emergency Center

Ulster County has been awarded a $2 million grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to support the construction of a new, energy-efficient Emergency Communications Center. The facility, to be located on Paradies Lane in New Paltz, will replace the County’s current outdated and undersized emergency facilities. Bid documents for the state-of-the-art facility have been released.

The new 15,650-square-foot center will feature sustainable design elements, including geothermal heating and cooling, solar panels with battery backup, and super-insulated walls. This design will allow the facility to remain operational during natural disasters and power outages, enhancing the County’s emergency response capabilities.

“The County’s current emergency facilities are outdated, under-sized, and vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as power outages during severe weather when those facilities are needed most,” said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “We have designed a new Emergency Communications Center that is energy-smart, resilient, and capable of withstanding any kind of natural disaster or threat.”

The center will house the County’s Department of Emergency Services, including the 911 center, EOC, and the Divisions of Fire and EMS. The EOC will serve as a central coordination point during emergencies, facilitating communication and response efforts between local, state, and federal agencies. Depending on the emergency, the EOC may include personnel from federal, state, local agencies, utilities, first-responders, and others, plus County personnel.

The project, with a construction timeline of 18-24 months, is expected to begin in late spring or early summer. The County bought the 57.3-acre property in May 2024 for $2.8 million.

Funding for the project was made available through an $18 million capital reserve established in the 2024 Executive Budget, utilizing funds from the County’s excess fund balance. This approach will save taxpayers over $1 million annually in borrowing costs.

The Ulster County Legislature passed a resolution in December approving the project and issuing a negative SEQRA declaration, determining that the project will not have significant adverse environmental impacts.