Committee approves block of ARPA intermunicipal agreements and hears UCRA update on Reuse Innovation Center and diversion plans

The committee voted to approve a block of intermunicipal agreement resolutions (Resolutions 25–32) allocating ARPA funds for city and town projects. The block was moved, seconded and passed unanimously in committee.

Separately, Director Ryder provided multiple agency updates. UCRA is seeking county support of between $1 million and $1.5 million toward the Reuse Innovation Center (RIC); Ryder said the agency has identified an assemblage of parcels that together are roughly a $4 million purchase and that an initial office parcel valued at about $2 million could be purchased if needed. Ryder asked the committee to consider a county budget modification or late resolution to cover a contribution. UCRA also plans an RFP for alternative technologies (biogasification, anaerobic digestion and hydrolysis) in the next two to three months.

On renewable energy, agency staff reported ongoing solar mapping and coordination with Central Hudson and noted a corridor proposal in New Paltz that could yield 20–30 megawatts if transmission and site obstacles are resolved. On zero-waste work, the committee heard that an approved $25,000 allocation will support a ZeroCore-style education team to expand diversion at festivals and fairs; members discussed using summer youth employment to staff larger diversion efforts like the county fair. Members also discussed the Town of Hurley transfer-station pilot report, which showed net revenue to that town and could serve as a replication model, subject to further review of the financials.

The committee agreed to form a subcommittee (or use the whole committee) to review resumes and interview candidates for two upcoming UCRA board appointments (Resolutions 81 and 82) and to continue conversations about potential county support for the RIC.