October 24, 2003

Steinhaus Reviews Economic Growth Issues with Congressman Sweeney

Poughkeepsie... While the economy has performed well in Dutchess County in recent years, work continues on economic development efforts to attract more high quality job opportunities for county residents, smart growth and housing initiatives, and marketing for the county's 2nd largest industry, tourism.

"Each community's economy is unique," notes County Executive Steinhaus. "That is why I arranged to meet with Congressman Sweeney. I want to explain our diverse needs and potential opportunities." At a meeting in the County Executive's office and later at county-owned land on Route 9 in Hyde Park, several initiatives were discussed.

"I am always interested in obtaining the local perspective," said Congressman Sweeney, "and I am eager to pinpoint opportunities in Dutchess County as part of my program to bolster the upstate New York economy."

In wide-ranging discussions, Congressman Sweeney and County Executive Steinhaus reviewed the interest in infrastructure development in the Village of Red Hook and the county's plan to help develop senior housing on the County-owned Perx site in the Village; progress on the new Wallace Center at the FDR site in Hyde Park, a key tourism destination point; efforts by Dutchess County Tourism to better package and market the County's tourism assets; future use of the County-owned St. Andrew's property; the prospective Hyde Park sewer system; as well as various planning efforts by Rhinebeck, Red Hook and Hyde Park.

"John Sweeney has a good understanding of our local economy," observed Steinhaus. "He's helping us meet our challenges and will seek assistance in Washington whenever he finds the opportunity."
 

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