2007 Annual Report Executive Summary

Sullivan-Wawarsing REAP Zone

The REAP is approaching the last two years of the initial ten year designation.  The vacancies in the board from last year have been filled at the annual meeting held on November 7, 2007 and filled.  The board seats have been filled with dedicated people who want to ensure that the REAP Zone designation is used to its fullest potential.

The REAP is fully dedicated to the development of the Liberty Ag and Light Industrial Park.  This park is where the proposed red meat processing facility would be located.  With the build out of this park, great economic development opportunity should come.  Along with the lot for the red meat facility, there are other lots available for industries who wish to build in Sullivan County.  With close proximity to State Route 17 (future Interstate 86), the park is an ideal location for any business to start. 

Sullivan County has hired a new Agricultural Economic Development Specialist.  This person is responsible for the administration of the Sullivan County Wawarsing REAP Zone.  The SW REAP will now be housed in the Sullivan County Division of Community and Economic Development. 

The Sullivan Wawarsing REAP supported and worked with the County of Sullivan to develop the following during 2007:

• The REAP continues to support and work with the county to develop the Ag and Light Industrial Park, which includes a 50% match EDA grant for the infrastructure of the park.  The total cost of the infrastructure is estimated at around $1.2 million.  There is also a $45,000 Build Now New York grant for the engineering of the infrastructure of the park.  The RBEG grant of $175,000 for the equipment of the red meat facility has been secured.

• The Sullivan County Housing Task Force met continually throughout the year.  The REAP has supplied letters of consistency to a wide variety of housing applications to the state and federal government.

• The REAP has extended its full support to the Sullivan County Agricultural Farmland Protection Board and the Town of Liberty in their applications to New York State Ag & Markets for the PDR’s.

• The REAP supported an application for the RCDI, which was funded at $75,000.

• The REAP supported the Municipal Ag Farmland Protection planning grants for the towns of Liberty, Bethel, Delaware, and Callicoon, which was funded at $100,000.

• REAP supported the Hortonville Fire District Community Facilities grant and loan at $650,000.

• REAP Supported the Woodridge infrastructure project for one Million dollars.