TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -Steve McLaughlin’s ninth State of the County address started off with optimism for the future of Rensselaer County. As its executive, McLaughlin looks to continue modernizing and growing the area, announcing Rensselaer County’s biggest project yet: renovating Van Rensselaer Manor for $112 million.
Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox!
“The building itself is great, the service is fantastic but it’s dated and it’s tired and we’re gonna redo it,” described McLaughlin. “And with the help of the State, we get reimbursed 85% of that.” The manor acts as the area’s nursing and rehab facility, along with four senior centers built during the administration as recently as 2025.
During McLaughlin’s terms, he also oversaw every mile of County road repaved. “This fall, we completed 330 miles of roads repaved. That is an epic achievement. This county used to average 12, maybe 18 miles a year and skim coat the roads and call it a day and move on. They used to say, ‘Paint it black and don’t look back.’”
Supervisor Crummey delivers Colonie’s State of the Town
McLaughlin said there’s a good reason to invest into infrastructure as upkept roads attract commuters who shop at local businesses. “Sales tax revenue has gone right through the roof. We came into office about $80 million in sales tax revenue. It was pretty stagnant for years, growing just a little bit and now we will hit $130 million this year,” explained McLaughlin.
The County is close to completing a brand new highway garage and then will begin renovating its main highway garage as well. Also being invested into is water and sewer projects…