County Executive Neuhaus’ Announces Awards Over $1 Million in Community Development Grants

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus and Nicole Andersen, Director of the Orange County Office of Community Development, have announced that more than $1 Million in funding has been awarded to municipalities across Orange County through the 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

"Through our dedicated Office of Community Development, the County continues to ensure that local municipalities can access critical federal resources to strengthen infrastructure, enhance accessibility, and improve community facilities," said Neuhaus. "These awards represent a major investment in our towns and villages and will help address pressing needs while improving the quality of life for residents."

Since its creation in 1974, the CDBG program has served as one of the nation's most important tools for local governments to advance infrastructure, accessibility, and neighborhood revitalization projects. By targeting projects that directly benefit low-and-moderate income residents, CDBG helps build stronger communities.

"Orange County is proud to bring awareness to this important federal program, which continues to have a lasting impact in many of our municipalities," Neuhaus added.

From 2018 through 2025, HUD's CDBG program has invested over $21 Million in Orange County; $9 Million for water and wastewater infrastructure, $1.4 Million for senior centers, $2 Million for public services, $3.6 Million for ADA accessibility and park development, and $5.3 Million for drainage and street improvements.

Andersen emphasized the significance of this year's funding cycle, "2025 marks the continuation of the CDBG program's 50-year legacy of service," said Andersen. "Last year we celebrated its anniversary, and this year we remain focused on strengthening awareness of the program's importance and advocating for sustained federal investment to ensure CDBG continues to thrive for decades to come."

2026 Orange County CDBG Awards:
The following projects have been approved by County Executive Neuhaus and the CDBG Advisory Committee. They will be submitted to HUD as part of Orange County's 2026 Housing and Community Development Annual Action Plan which is now in display for public comment and approval by the County's Legislature.

• Town of Warwick: Winslow Therapeutic Riding Center Program for Adults with Disabilities, $25,000
• Town of Mount Hope: Senior Center Pickleball Court Construction, $61,439
• Town of Monroe: Mombasha park ADA Sidewalk Construction, $84,000
• Village of Harriman: ADA Walkway Construction to Park, $125,327
• Village of Highland Falls: Senior Center ADA Walkway and Parking Lot Paving, $150,000
• Town of Montgomery: Benedict Farm Park ADA Walking Path Construction, $175,000
• Town of Woodbury: Senior Center and Library ADA Bathroom Improvements, $175,000
• Village of Monroe: Replacement 10" Water Line on Stage Road. $175,000
• Town of Chester: Carpenter Park Bathroom ADA and Lighting Improvements, $175,000
• Town of Cornwall: Senior Center ADA Bathroom and Meeting Room Improvements, $175,000
• Town of Deerpark: ADA Bathroom Construction, $175,000

The full 2026 Annual Action Plan is available on the Community Development webpage: Orange County Consolidated Plans and Annual Action Plans.

About the CDBG Program:
The HUD-funded CDBG program serves municipalities within the Orange County Urban County Consortium, which includes every municipality in Orange County except the Cities of Newburgh, Middletown, and Port Jervis; the Village of Kiryas Joel; and the Town of Palm Tree.

Since 1974, Orange County has received annual entitlement funding to administer the program. Its primary goal is to develop sustainable communities for low- and moderate-income residents by supporting critical infrastructure and public facilities. Eligible activities include public infrastructure, ADA accessibility improvements, and community development projects in areas where at least 48.8% of residents are low- to moderate-income.

"CDBG is more than a funding program, it's a commitment to opportunity for every community in Orange County," said Andersen.

For general media inquiries, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to the County Executive and Director of Public Information and Media Relations, at 845-291-2700 or [email protected].

Stay connected with County Neuhaus and Orange County Government on social media:

• Facebook: @OrangeCountyNYGovt | @Steve.Neuhaus
• Instagram: @OrangeCountyNYGovt | @Steve.Neuhaus
• X (formerly Twitter): @OCGovNY | @SNeuhausOC

Be sure to also check out the Blueprint Orange video series, a behind-the-scenes look at the projects, places, and people that make our County a great place to live. And don't miss the newest episode of NeuCast, featuring Echo Fields in Westtown, now streaming on the Orange County Government YouTube channel and OrangeCountyGov.com.