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Statement From Senator Dan Stec on Governor Hochul’s 2024-25 Executive Budget Presentation

“In the days ahead, I look forward to reading the particulars of Governor Hochul’s budget proposal. But after watching her presentation and an initial reading of the plan, here’s what stands out.

“I was glad to hear the governor acknowledge that our state has a looming budget deficit and that New York has a robust reserve fund, but ultimately this budget plan does nothing to address that impending problem. Proposed spending is $233 billion, a 4.5-percent increase over last year’s record-setting budget. Combined with an acknowledged $6 billion in lost tax receipts due to our state’s ongoing outmigration woes and despite some fuzzy math that shows a budget surplus instead of an anticipated deficit, this is ultimately a costly proposal that does nothing to alleviate New York’s long-term financial difficulties and right the ship going forward.

“The most glaring item in this budget presentation is the $2.4 billion in funding for the migrant crisis. This issue has been handled poorly by the governor, New York City Eric Adams and the current presidential administration and our taxpayers continue to bear the brunt of this. I’m particularly concerned by the fact that $500 million of this is coming from the state’s reserve fund. This is aid that should be going to legal residents and taxpayers, whether that means tax relief to combat rising costs, assist our struggling nursing homes or economic development initiatives.

“New York State needs to address Medicaid spending. During this presentation, the governor acknowledged that the state went more than $1 billion over budget with Medicaid spending in the last fiscal year. While it was good to hear the governor acknowledge the enormous costs associated with our Medicaid system, I did not hear anything in her plan that would substantively address it and lower costs for both state and local governments.

“On a more positive side, I was pleased to see the governor allocate funding for ORDA in Lake Placid, ensuring the facilities there remain world-class. I am also encouraged by the proposal to use state-owned lands and facilities, such as closed correctional facilities, as part of an affordable housing strategy. That development, however, is offset by the fact that her proposal contains language authorizing further correctional facility closures. If this comes to fruition, it could potentially have a detrimental impact on our region.

“Obviously, this presentation is only the beginning of the budget process. In the weeks ahead, I plan on working with my legislative colleagues and the governor to ensure a final budget meets the needs of our taxpayers and charts a responsible fiscal future for New York.”

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Top News Story of Huletts: 2023

As we complete another circle around our sun, it’s my habit to reflect on our past year. I’ve always believed that it’s good to reflect on what happened over the last year and what might shape the future. I also like to move into the new year by taking one last look back at what I consider the top “news” story of Huletts Landing from the past year.

I have been posting and writing here on the Huletts Current since November 2007. I have done this annually since then and I usually get feedback one way or another.

So here it is for 2023. While it may have happened on the other side of the mountain, I am naming the actual installation of the Champlain Hudson Power Express cable down Route 22, through our beautiful Town of Dresden, as the Top News Story of Huletts for 2023. My rationale is below.


Seen here in June 2023, the cable bringing power from Canada to New York city was actually installed along state Route 22 in Dresden during 2023.

The project has been in the works for many years, but during 2023 the actual cable was installed along state Route 22 here in Dresden. It will carry electricity that will be generated almost exclusively in hydroelectric plants in Canada down to the New York city metropolitan area. It will not carry gas, oil or other hazardous materials. It will carry a lot of power though. The CHPE is expected to be fully operational in the spring of 2026, delivering 1,250 MW of renewable power directly into the New York Metro area. This $6B project ensures that generations of New Yorkers will benefit. Wide support exists from communities up and down the line, as well as labor and environmental groups. The buried line also ensures reliable power delivery in extreme weather.

It will have an an enormous future impact on Huletts in that it will bring revenue to Dresden, the Whitehall school district and Washington county for many years. The developers of the project estimate that it will bring $1.4 billion in tax revenue to communities throughout New York State over 30 years. The payments to local jurisdictions are expected to start in 2025 in the form of payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreements. The early estimates are that the Whitehall Central school district will receive combined payments of $750,000 for the first year, growing to about $2 million in the 30th and final year. The Town of Dresden is estimated to receive $3.27 million in total PILOT funds over 30 years. Our locally elected office holders will decide how these funds will be appropriated. Every voter should ask; “how is this money going to benefit us?”

There will be much more on this in the years to come, making the installation of the Champlain Hudson Power Express cable down Route 22, through our beautiful Town of Dresden, as the Top News Story of Huletts for 2023. Happy New Year!

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Emergency Planned Power Outage: Saturday, December 9

An emergency power outage is scheduled for Huletts Landing, Dresden, Clemons and other nearby areas on Saturday, December 9 from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Whitehall volunteer fire house will be available for Dresden/Putnam residents in need of warm shelter during the electricity outage. The kitchen facilities will also be available. Please contact Brian Brooks @ 518-744-0722.
Thank you Whitehall volunteer fire company for your service and support.

The American legion in Whitehall is offering anyone needing warm shelter from 7:30am until electricity is restored on Saturday. Coffee and refreshments will also be available. Please pass this on to all persons affected by this power outage. Thank you for your support Whitehall American legion.

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Recent DEC Forest Ranger Actions


Illegally dumped trash discovered in Washington County

Illegal Dumping – Washington County
On October 28, 2023 the Washington County Sheriff’s Department contacted Environmental Conservation Police Officer (ECO) Krug about illegal trash dumping along the Champlain Canal at Lock 8. A canal employee observed a U-Haul dumping household garbage and managed to get a license plate number and subject description to pass along to law enforcement. Deputy John Latour identified a subject hired to clean out a foreclosed property in the town of Hartford and linked the same subject to illegal dumping incidents in two other locations. The subject, who is currently on parole, received seven appearance tickets to Argyle, Kingsbury, and Fort Edward town courts for illegal disposal of solid waste and the unlawful disposal of medical waste, among other charges.

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DEC Announces Temporary Closure of South Bay Boat Launch on Lake Champlain for Utility Work

South Bay Boat Launch Closed Sept. 25 – 28

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the temporary closure of South Bay Boat Launch in Whitehall, Washington County, for utility work. The boat launch site will be closed to public use from Sept. 25 to 28 to facilitate new utility wire installation. Users will not be permitted to access this site or the boat ramp during this closure to ensure public safety.

Users may see utility equipment staged at the launch over the course of the next few weeks. Normal public use of the site is allowed during this time, except for the closure period.

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Recent DEC Forest Ranger Actions

Village of Fort Ann
Washington County
Wilderness Rescue: On Sept. 10 at 7:30 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch requested Forest Ranger assistance with a hiker experiencing heat exhaustion on the Sleeping Beauty Mountain Trail. Rangers Carabetta and Nahor and local fire and EMS reached the 30-year-old from Saratoga Springs approximately one mile up the trail. The patient was nauseous and dehydrated. Rescuers provided treatment, placed the subject in a litter, and transported her to the trailhead where she was met by an ambulance. Resources were clear at 10:16 p.m.