Funding Will Aid Margaretville Hospital Primary Care

WASHINGTON — Congressman Josh Riley (NY-19), U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand have secured $2,634,000 in federal Community Project Funding (CPF) in the FY2026 Agriculture appropriations bill for three urgently needed projects in Upstate New York. This includes $619,000 for primary care renovation at Margaretville Hospital.

The investments will replace a deteriorating firehouse in Guilford, modernize a rural primary care facility in Margaretville, and construct a permanent outpatient clinic in South Fallsburg.  Riley introduced these projects in the House’s Agriculture appropriations bill, and they were adopted in the Senate under Leader Schumer and Senator Gillibrand’s leadership.

Riley said “In Upstate New York, our first responders and health care workers show up for their neighbors every single day. This funding is about showing up for them. 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. I’ll keep pushing to make sure rural communities in Upstate New York get the resources they deserve, working closely with partners like Leader Schumer and Senator Gillibrand.”

Schumer said “Our first responders are New York’s bravest, showing up on the frontlines to protect our communities. Making sure they are prepared is one of my top priorities, which is why I am proud to deliver this more than $2.6 million federal boost for vital improvements,” said Senator Schumer. “From upgrading our fire departments to constructing and renovating new health care facilities, this new funding will make long-needed safety upgrades happen. I will always fight to bring home federal dollars to give New York communities throughout the Southern Tier and Catskills the support they deserve.”

Gillibrand said “I am proud to have secured more than $2.6 million in funding for essential projects in Upstate New York,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These critical improvements, ranging from strengthening rural hospitals to making essential safety upgrades for our firefighters, will directly benefit New Yorkers. Communities deserve the tools to thrive and be safe, and I will continue to work tirelessly to make sure families, first responders, and businesses in New York State have what they need to succeed.”

Margaretville Memorial Hospital provides essential care for families across Delaware, Greene, and Ulster Counties. Renovations to its primary care facility will improve patient flow, privacy, and efficiency; expand exam and consultation space; and support updated diagnostic equipment, including tools that help connect patients with specialists through telehealth.

"As a rural, critical-access hospital, Margaretville Hospital is essential to the health and well-being of our patients in the community. Congressman Riley took time to get to know our patients and their unique needs. Together, with this infusion of funding into our primary care programs, Congressman Riley and WMCHealth are investing in the long-term health of the families we serve in Margaretville,” said Dr. David Lubarsky, President & CEO, WMCHealth