Three rural communities across Upstate New York are getting a major upgrade thanks to more than $2.6 million in new federal funding secured by Congressman Josh Riley, Senator Chuck Schumer, and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
The funds, part of the FY2026 Agriculture appropriations bill, will support a new fire station in Guilford, renovations to Margaretville Memorial Hospital’s primary care facility, and the construction of a permanent Refuah Health Center clinic in South Fallsburg.
The Guilford Fire District, an all-volunteer department, will receive $1,015,000 to replace its nearly century-old firehouse. The new station will better support emergency response, equipment, and volunteer training. “This funding will help us build a new fire station—one that will provide a safer, more resilient environment for our dedicated members and the people we serve,” said Dee Fuller, chairperson of the Guilford Board of Fire Commissioners.
Margaretville Memorial Hospital will receive $619,000 to expand and modernize its primary care space, which serves families across Delaware, Greene, and Ulster counties. The renovation will improve patient flow and privacy, increase exam and consultation space, and add upgraded diagnostic tools, including telehealth. “As a rural, critical-access hospital, Margaretville Hospital is essential to the health and well-being of our patients,” said Dr. David Lubarsky, president and CEO of WMCHealth.
South Fallsburg’s Refuah Health Center will get $1 million to build a permanent clinic, replacing the temporary facility the community has relied on for over a decade. The new clinic will provide primary care, women’s health, mental health services, and on-site pharmacy access. “This investment will allow us to reach more families who too often struggle to access essential health care,” said Refuah CEO Chanie Sternberg.
Congressman Riley called the projects a sign of commitment to rural workers and families. “This funding is about showing up for them,” he said. “It means Guilford’s volunteer firefighters will finally have a safe station to work from, families in Margaretville will have better access to care close to home, and South Fallsburg will get the permanent clinic it’s needed for years”.
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