Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus today authorized the release of $91,464 to sustain the efforts of the Dutchess County Environmental Management Council (EMC) through December 31 of this year.

The release of the funds by the County Executive was as a result of a request to the County Executive by the Chairman of the Dutchess County Legislature, Bradford Kendall.

Steinhaus noted, “I recognize and understand the EMC has struggled to sustain its activities and fulfill its mission in the environmental community. I am hopeful this release of funding will help stabilize the organization through the balance of the year while the EMC staff, its Board, and the other associated agencies it has relationships with can work out the problems and challenges that have confronted them.”

An immediate release of $30,488 has been provided upon the execution of the contract amendment signed by County Executive Steinhaus on Friday July 15, 2005.  The amended contract requires written statements and certifications from the agency of eligible expenditures for services they are obligated to provide the County by contract.

Four additional installment payments will be made on or about August 1, September 1, October 1, and November 1 of this year upon submission of the written statements and certifications. Expenditures will not exceed an additional $60,976 beyond the initial payment of $30,488 as noted above.  It should be noted the County contract is with the Dutchess County Soil & Water Conservation District, the fiduciary agent for the EMC.  The Soil & Water Conservation District has a fiscal memorandum of agreement with the EMC to act as its managing fiscal agent.

Steinhaus said, “Certainly there are some internal issues the EMC needs to resolve, as well as their relationship with the Soil &Water Conservation District and any other future host fiscal agent organization.  However, Chairman Kendall made a compelling argument to me that it was his desire this accommodation be made for the EMC.   Therefore, with appropriate safeguards in place, I have honored his request.”