A Report From Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin
Still Growing, Despite Outbreak
Greetings to friends and neighbors in Eastern Rensselaer County. This column is presented to give residents up to date information and a better understanding of issues being dealt with in county government. We hope the summer is going well for everyone.
Like everywhere in the country, Rensselaer County has been dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak. The good news is that despite the outbreak, we are still seeing positive news about job creation and economic expansion in the county. The Amazon project in Schodack is a great example of this positive trend in our county.
Amazon originally had announced the Schodack project would create 800 new jobs. The project is now slated to create 1000 new jobs. This is excellent news for anyone looking for a new job or transitioning in their career. The county Employment and Training office is helping in efforts to recruit workers for Amazon and can be reached at 518-270-2860.
Along with Amazon, the major expansion of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in East Greenbush is continuing. Regeneron is making advances in finding a cure for COVID-19 and we are excited by the reports about the progress. Based in part in our county, Regeneron is making a difference around the world.
Amazon and Regeneron are just two of the success stories. The county has also seen job creation at R&L Carriers, a trucking company in South Troy. And next to R&L Carriers, the county is welcoming Capital City Produce, a vegetable wholesaler, at the site of a former linen factory. We are looking forward to more success in the coming weeks in creating new jobs and opportunity.
Rensselaer County is being chosen for this growth because we have worked hard to position our county for investment and growth. As County Executive, I am proud county lawmakers unanimously adopted two consecutive budgets I introduced that reduced taxes. We have also earned positive independent audits and improved financial ratings.
Further proof comes with the refinancing of bonds issued previously by the county. The refinancing generated a savings of $3 million, with the bonds selling faster than expected, in part because of our strong fiscal position.
Along with improving our financial position, we are taking steps for the future in other ways. For several years, the county emergency services training tower has been closed due to structural issues. This summer we started work to construct a new tower, with the former tower leveled and the property readied for building. This fulfills a promise I made when I sought the office and I appreciate the support and guidance of many in the emergency services community on this project.
We recognize the importance of a quality road and bridge network in the county. We have made considerable investments in this area in both 2019 and 2020. This year, we have already paved or improved over 25 miles of road, the most miles paved in two decades. We are doing even more this year, with county lawmakers approving additional funding for several more miles of roads.
Thanks for reading. If you have questions, or would like to get in contact with us, you can call the County Executive’s office at 518-270-2900, or visit the county website at www.rensco.com, where there are links for questions and contact.