Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has notified 10 local governments across Ulster County of their successful application to the County’s Solar & Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (SEVI) program, which committed $2.5 million of the County's American Rescue Plan Act funds to support clean energy investments by local governments that reduce reliance on fossil fuels and help mitigate climate change.
The SEVI program offered grants capped at $100,000 to municipalities for solar, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, or both, and required a 50% local match (federal, state, and other funding can be included in the match). Applications to the program were accepted from May 20 to July 19.
In total, 11 applications were received from 10 municipalities, including the Town and Village of New Paltz, Lloyd, Hurley, Marbletown, Marlborough, Rosendale, Shandaken, the City of Kingston, as well as two applications from the Town of Ulster for separate solar projects that together will receive the maximum award of $100,000.
All funded solar projects will collectively generate 1,597,028 kWh annually, which will eliminate approximately 1,115 metric tons of CO2 emissions.
The County plans to announce a second round of applications for municipally-owned EV charging facilities, and will dedicate any remaining funds to planned County solar projects.
“Having served in local government in Rosendale for many years, I know how impactful these additional resources can be in helping communities reach their climate and clean energy goals, and I’m thrilled that the County can support these local efforts with American Rescue Plan Act funds,” said County Executive Jen Metzger. “These local projects will not only reduce climate-damaging emissions but also provide long-term savings to local governments and taxpayers, and I want to thank the Legislature’s ARPA Committee and its Chair, Legislator Tom Corcoran, for championing this great program for our communities.”
“The Solar & Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (SEVI) program is a landmark initiative for Ulster County, demonstrating our commitment to clean energy and sustainability,” said Legislator Tom Corcoran, ARPA Committee Chair. “By allocating $2.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act funds, we are enabling local governments to significantly reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. The projects funded through this program will generate over 1.5 million kWh annually, marking a substantial step towards mitigating climate change. This collective effort underscores the importance of local action in achieving our environmental goals.”
“This program is a huge win for our towns and our residents,” said Megan Sperry, Ulster County Legislature Vice Chair. “In the near future, our municipalities will see a reduction in overhead costs and our residents will be able to charge their vehicles at work or closer to home, while also reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. I’m heartened by the interest for this grant opportunity across the county — congratulations to the 10 municipalities who were awarded the grant! I’m also excited to see how this program impacts the way that we think about solar and energy efficiency.”
“Thank you County Executive Metzger and the Ulster County Legislature, for awarding grant funds to 10 municipalities for renewable energy projects on municipal properties,” said Marbletown Supervisor Rich Parete. “Your support is instrumental in advancing sustainable practices and fostering a greener future for our communities.”
“The Town of Marlborough appreciates the County having these grants available to all municipalities. Working together to make our Country even better is what it's all about,” said Marlborough Supervisor Scott Corcoran. “This specific grant will help our town tremendously with the cost of installing solar panels on our new Community Center. It will definitely help with lowering our utility cost and helping the environment at the same time. Working together with our counterparts at the County is a win-win for the taxpayers of Marlborough and Ulster County.”
“The Town of Rosendale is grateful for the $100,000 award from Ulster County,” said Rosendale Supervisor Jeanne Walsh. “Thank you to County Executive Metzger and the Ulster County Legislators. Rosendale will partner with the Town of Marbletown to provide solar at the Rondout Municipal Center. Thank you also for the award that was given to the High Falls Water District through the Town of Marbletown as that will also benefit some Rosendale residents.”
For more information on the Solar & Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, visit: https://participate.ulstercountyny.gov/solar-ev-grants.
