For More Information Contact:
Alana Sawchuk, Executive Assistant to the Comptroller
asawchuk@dutchessny.gov / comptroller@dutchessny.gov
(845) 486-2050
The Comptroller’s Office has released a survey form for Dutchess County residents and organizations who have lost federal jobs or funding, directly or indirectly. This information will be collected, verified, and ultimately provided to all local, state, and federal leadership as a means of better supporting the needs of the community and to help focus economic planning. This tool follows the release of the Comptroller’s Office special report on the County’s 2021-2023 receipt of federal funds and the interest it generated.
“The national conversation around federal funding can be confusing and alarming,” said Comptroller Aymar-Blair. “Being well-informed is the antidote to anxiety, and the Comptroller’s Office is happy to collect any data that better informs policy makers and the public.”
Congressman Pat Ryan’s (NY-18) office has been trying to navigate the new administration's priorities and policy changes since January, working to keep the district informed as to whether these might have a tangible impact on the community. Congressman Ryan’s office has encouraged local municipalities to alert them to any cuts affecting their day-to-day operations.
The Comptroller’s Office has identified nearly $35 million in lost federal investment in Dutchess County, including a loss of $2.4 million in earmarks for Dutchess County’s real time crime center and public safety radio system, but which is primarily for renovations and improvements to fire stations and wastewater treatment facilities.
Said Town of North East Supervisor Christopher Kennan, “The Village of Millerton and the Town of North East have been working hard on plans for a wastewater system to serve both municipalities. These improvements are sorely needed to reduce our dependence on old, and in some cases, broken septic systems. A reliable wastewater system is crucial to improving our economy—more businesses, more jobs, and more housing! The $3 million in federal funding allocated for this project by Senators Gillibrand and Schumer was just yanked—this will be devastating to jobs and housing critical for our future.”
The information collected through the new “Loss of Federal Funds/Jobs Survey” will contribute to this growing data set. “Tracking how much federal investment in Dutchess County is being lost gives us perspective for future economic development, future sales tax revenue, and more,” said Comptroller Aymar-Blair.
The newly created intake form can be accessed on the County’s website, as well as via QR code (provided below). The Comptroller’s Office requests that the public share this form with their friends and neighbors in order to obtain the most comprehensive data set possible.
