Ribbon-cutting held for $8 million New Paltz emergency operations center

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NEW PALTZ – The new emergency operations center and firehouse in New Paltz was celebrated on Saturday.

During Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, New Paltz was overwhelmed by nearly 10 inches of rain, causing widespread flooding. The Wallkill River overflowed its banks and flooded roads, stranded residents, destroyed acres of farms, and slowed first responders.

The two firehouses – one that was undersized and another that was not easily accessible due to narrow and crowded roads – made it challenging to meet the community’s needs.

The new center replaces both firehouses with one large emergency operations center and municipal fire department at 117 Henry DuBois Drive.

The new 14,000 square foot $8 million building includes five double bays to accommodate al the fire departments’ vehicles and equipment, meeting spaces, a training mezzanine, full kitchen, ADA-compliant restrooms, and sufficient sheltering capacity to house first responders called into action.

The state contributed some $5 million to the project with the remainder of the funding coming from the town and village.

“Ulster County saw three extreme weather events so far in this year alone, and our firefighters and first responders are on the front lines of these climate emergencies,” said Acting County Executive Johanna Contreras. “This facility will allow us to bring emergency services to the southernmost and rural areas of our community.”




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