News & Insights

Sullivan County gets $5.9 million in economic development funding: Bethel, Delaware, Highland, Liberty, Rockland score big

Town of Delaware Supervisor Ed Sykes sat back in his seat last Wednesday night, looking his councilmembers in the eye.

“Well, I have some good news for you,” Sykes said during the town’s regular monthly board meeting. “The Town of Delaware is getting some much-needed grant funding from the state.

“The town will be getting $393,995 to build a new salt storage shed [at its new town highway barn],” he said.

That, coupled with a $100,000 grant the town secured from NYS Senator John Bonacic and the project will be nearly paid for, Sykes said.

Sykes also extolled the money which Seminary Hill Ciders in Callicoon is receiving to build its new location on Wagner Lane. The project, which is owned by Douglas Doetsch under Doetsch Family Trust, will receive two grants totaling $900,000.

That huge boost will allow the company to construct an ‘eco-friendly building to house its manufacturing operations and tasting room and will become a part of a growing number of craft beverage businesses that are creating a critical mass of destinations attracting visitors to the region.’

The money will come from the Empire State Development funding.

Other big winners:
The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts received two grants, totaling over $700,000 to help in the planning of its 50th Anniversary of Woodstock Special Event.

Antrim Lodge in Roscoe received the most money – $1.6 million in total – as Antrim LLC restores the historic Antrim Lodge with 14 guest rooms, event space and the construction of the Stone Hall building at Antrim Streamside which will accommodate 18 additional guests along the Willowemoc River.

The Antrim was closed in 1994 and was a renowned country inn, restaurant and bar.

The Town of Highland also received $624,750 for the construction of a salt shed at the site of a the new Town Highway garage.

In the Town of Liberty the White Sulphur Springs Water District will receive $748,900 for improving the White Sulphur Springs Water District.

For a full list of projects and awards, view the full article here.

By Fred Stabbert III