Topping the $16 million plus wish list is a request for funds to replace the city's waste water treatment plant. "That is a top priority," said the mayor of the estimated $9-million project.

The forty-year-old waste water treatment facility does not adequately process the City's waste and storm water, particularly during a major rain event. As a consequence, the City is under an order of consent from the Department of Environmental Conservation to upgrade the system. If funded totally by the City of Hudson taxpayers, the cost of the project is prohibitive, but, according to Scalera, if the City were to have access to some of the infrastructure funds allocated through the stimulus package, the project cost to the City would be more realistic.

"Obviously, payments on a $4.5 million debt service [if the City received a grant for 50 percent of the project's costs] compared to payments on $9 million in debt service would be much more payable," the mayor said.

Also on the City's wish list is funding for a projected $375,000 water line replacement on Green Street. The four-inch water main has ruptured six times in a 200-foot span and is in dire need of replacement, Scalera said.

The much-discussed replacement of the city's police and court facilities is third on the list of projects being pitched to state officials making recommendations on the federal stimulus package, Scalera said. The City is also under a consent order from the state to make changes to the court facilities, and city officials have explored a number of options in recent years without making a final decision.

Scalera said the estimated $3.2 to $3.6 million in funds necessary for this project would be used to construct a new facility, which would meet the needs of the stimulus package in that it would create construction jobs.

There are two other city projects on Scalera’s wish list: a parking garage and the replacement of the vehicle and pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks at Ferry Street.

The $3.5 to 3.8 million parking garage is part of “Plan B,” which Scalera is promoting as an alternative to the plan to create a county campus at Ockawamick. The three-story facility, which Scalera envisions at the intersection of Columbia and Fourth streets, would accommodate 200 cars. According to Scalera, the parking garage would serve two purposes. On weekdays, it would provide parking for county employees; nights and weekends, it would be used by visitors who come to enjoy Hudson’s many restaurants, galleries, and entertainment venues. Scalera is hoping the parking garage plan will entice the county to keep the Department of Social Services and other county service agencies in Hudson.

Replacing the bridge over the railroad tracks, which provides access to the state boat launch and waterfront park, comes with an unknown price tag, Scalera said. The upgrading the bridge, many maintain, is a must if the City is to realize its goals for waterfront revitalization.  

While Friday's meeting is only a first step, Scalera said he is hopeful for a positive outcome. "I understand everyone is out there with their hands out, but even if I get nothing else but funding for the waste water plant, this will be a success," he said.