July 2, 2026 Housing & Transportation

The Ulster County Legislature's Housing and Transportation Committee met on July 2, 2026, to discuss several procurement and contract-related matters. A detailed presentation was given on a corridor study involving rail and trail options, including engineering cost estimates, property acquisition needs, and environmental considerations. The study emphasized the use of public bid prices for construction cost estimates and highlighted potential property acquisitions with estimated costs around $18,000 per parcel, including purchase price and legal fees. The committee also approved Resolution 371, awarding a $348,192 contract to Stant Tech for a Safe Streets for All study, selected through a competitive process. Additionally, discussions covered a $400,000 contract with Habitat for Humanity for a homeownership project, which was pending finalization due to contract review by attorneys. The committee also approved a grant application to the Federal Transit Administration for $663,420 to purchase two transit vehicles, including operating assistance funding. The meeting included updates on project timelines, permitting challenges, and emphasized the importance of advancing these infrastructure and housing initiatives efficiently.