Maloney Announces $200,000 Investment in Village of Wappingers Falls to Rehabilitate Contaminated Sites, Grow Local Economy

Wappingers Falls, NY – Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) announced a $200,000 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) investment aimed at revitalizing 15 contaminated sites, known as “brownfields,” throughout the Village of Wappingers Falls. The funds will be used to support community outreach and assist with cleanup planning. Such grants are typically the first award in a series of investments aimed at completely rehabilitating contaminated sites.

“Working together we can make sure all our Hudson Valley communities are free from industrial contamination,” said Maloney. “Strategic federal investments can help clean up our local communities without costing hardworking taxpayers, while protecting Hudson Valley ecosystems and creating jobs.”    

“We are pleased that the EPA has recognized the importance of cleaning up former vacant industrial sites that have become blighted and more critically, has provided funding to begin the process,” said Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro “The County has been a partner with the Village for years working to revitalize the Industrial Park and we look forward to the continued progress on making the property a vibrant and productive asset for the Village and the County. We are grateful to Congressman Maloney for his efforts in securing this important funding.”

“This federal aid from the EPA will enable Wappingers Falls to assess longstanding environmental concerns associated with previous industrial uses,” said Wappingers Falls Mayor Matt Alexander. “It is our hope that this funding will catalyze environmental remediation and sustainable development – which are essential to the revitalization process of this historic Village.  We especially want to thank Congressman Maloney and his office for their attentive consideration in helping us move this effort forward.”

The award is part of the EPA’s brownfield program, which provides funding for brownfield assessment, cleanup, revolving loans and environmental job training. The investment in Village of Wappingers Falls will initiate the rehabilitation process at sites throughout the country. Potential sites in Wappingers Falls include former metal plating facilities, dry cleaners, ink and dye manufacturing facilities, industrial storage, gasification facilities, and mechanical manufacturing operations. The investment is part of a larger EPA effort, investing over $55 million to redevelop contaminated properties, grow local economies and create jobs while protecting public health. The Village would be required to take further steps to secure additional investments.