TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE – The Hudson Valley Greenway helps balance agriculture, open space, tourism and economic growth in the region, Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro told the council at a session in the Town of Poughkeepsie on Wednesday.
Molinaro said from his perspective, Dutchess is taking the lead in that regard.
“Now is a great opportunity for us to discuss how are we going to foster farmland preservation, how are we going to grow agriculture in the region, how are we going to protect those critical natural resources that we want protected while at the same time encouraging sustainable economic growth throughout our community,” he said.
Molinaro noted Dutchess has placed $1 million on the table to grow agriculture, investing in infrastructure to ensure water and sewer service to areas that are conducive to economic development, but at the same time, focusing on trying to get existing businesses in commercial corridors to expand and to bring in new business. That is all coupled with promoting and growing tourism as well bring about sustainable economic development and new jobs.
