Kingston, NY – Today, County Executive Mike Hein thanked Governor Andrew M. Cuomo for signing important legislation to address the needs of Ulster County veterans. This new law authorizes the transfer of property in Kingston, NY to Ulster County. The property will enable the County Executive to realize his goal, as expressed in his 2012 State of the County Speech, to create a place where Ulster County’s homeless veterans can directly access support services on a transitional basis. “This is a great example of bipartisan cooperation and cooperation between the State and County for the betterment of our veterans. I thank Governor Cuomo for understanding and supporting the needs of our veterans. He has proven time and time again his dedication to our country’s veterans. I also thank State Senator Larkin for his unwavering support of this plan and Assembly Member Cahill for his sponsorship, said County Executive Hein. “After proudly serving our Country, veterans are often faced with challenges and obstacles upon return to civilian life. As a result, some veterans are ending up homeless and in need of assistance. We owe our veterans a tremendous debt of gratitude and this law will help the County provide the enhanced level of service they need and deserve.” Senator Bill Larkin said: “I am very happy this important piece of legislation was signed into law. Returning veterans are faced with many challenges, and the transitional housing established by this law will be an outstanding resource for those veterans in need of assistance.” The law, sponsored by Senator William Larkin and by Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, authorizes the Commissioner of the Office of General Services to transfer a New York State-owned home at 67 Wurts Street in Kingston, NY to Ulster County for the purposes of providing transitional housing and other related support services to our County’s veterans following submission of an application by Ulster County. The cost to transfer the home to Ulster County is $1. The County Executive is currently developing the plan to provide services to veterans at the home on Wurts Street, which he expects to be completed in time for his 2013 Executive Budget Proposal. He will be reaching out to area veterans groups and others stakeholders for input. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, there are 67,495 homeless veterans in America. Ulster County Veterans’ Service Agency statistics provide that there are approximately 6-10 Ulster County veterans at any given time seeking emergency housing assistance. Additionally, there are others in need of assistance who are reluctant to apply for help. This property is in close proximity to other government services and public transportation. It was previously used by Ulster-Greene ARC as a group home and has the space and amenities to support the needs. The property also stands directly across from Thomas Cornell Park, which has a Veterans’ memorial.