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Ulster County has received a $2 million grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to support the construction of a new Emergency Communications Center in New Paltz. The facility will be located on Paradies Lane and will house the county's 911 dispatch center, along with space for 10 dispatchers to work simultaneously.
The 15,650-square-foot center will feature energy-efficient designs, including super-insulated walls, geothermal heating and cooling, and solar power with battery backup. This state-of-the-art facility aims to enhance the county's emergency response capabilities, especially during natural disasters and power outages. Construction is expected to begin in late spring or early summer, with an estimated completion time of 18 to 24 months.
The county purchased the 57.3-acre property for $2.8 million in March 2024, which was $200,000 less than the previously agreed price due to environmental remediation costs. The 2024 Executive Budget also allocated an $18 million capital reserve for the project, saving taxpayers over $1 million in borrowing costs. Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger expressed gratitude for the grant, stating, "We have designed a new Emergency Communications Center that is energy-smart, resilient, and capable of withstanding any kind of natural disaster or threat."