Hudson 7 Announcement

NEWS RELEASE

March 24, 2025

Contact:  

Mayor Gary Bassett, Village of Rhinebeck
Chair, Hudson 7
hudson7info@gmail.com

Hudson 7 Announces Launch of "Seven Campaigns and Key Actions 2020-2024" Campaign Report

The Hudson 7, a pioneering coalition of municipalities dedicated to safeguarding the Hudson River as a drinking water source, is proud to announce the release of its new campaign report, Seven Campaigns and Key Actions 2020-2024. This document outlines seven of the council’s key campaigns and its strategic approach to addressing the critical challenges facing the river. The goal of the Hudson 7 is to ensure a reliable, clean water supply from the Hudson River, protect the water source from pollution, and tackle regional water management issues, including water quality, sustainability, and emergency preparedness. The partnership also aims to advocate for policies that preserve the river’s health and ensure safe drinking water for all the communities involved. The purpose of the Seven Campaigns report is to document some of the key successes of the Council’s work since its formation.

"As Mayor of the Village of Rhinebeck and a founding member and Chair of the Hudson 7, I’m proud to share our ongoing efforts to protect the Hudson River as a vital drinking water source for our communities.” said Mayor Gary Bassett of the Village of Rhinebeck, and founding member and Chair of the Hudson 7. “The Hudson 7 is the first intermunicipal council of its kind in the region, setting a new standard for collaboration in safeguarding this critical resource. As part of this work, we’ve developed Seven Campaigns / Seven Key Actions 2020-2024, a campaign book outlining our approach to addressing seven priority issues that are essential to the river’s health and the well-being of the communities that rely on it. This document reflects years of collaboration and significant progress. I encourage you to explore the campaign book and join us in ensuring the Hudson River remains a clean, safe water source for generations to come."

"With the health and safety of our residents constantly in mind, we are grateful to have the Hudson 7 as a valuable resource in our ongoing efforts to protect our water supply and ensure a sustainable future for the Port Ewen Water District,” said Supervisor Danielle Freer of the Town of Esopus. "The Hudson 7 has fostered strong collaboration among neighboring water departments and municipalities, and we look forward to continued partnership and progress."

“When Mayor Basset approached me with the idea of joining together with other municipalities to protect our water supply it just seemed right,” Randy Alstadt, Poughkeepsies’ Water Treatment Facility. “Together we make a strong force that cannot be neglected by regulating groups that have ignored the safety of our water supply.”

“Being familiar with most of the operators dedicated to providing our precious quality drinking water for the public, it was inspiring to see the formation of the Hudson 7.”  said Paul Malmrose, PE, Engineering Technical Advisor for the Hudson 7. “The Hudson 7 has enabled us to work together to preserve the quality of the Hudson River as our source of water for over 100,000 in the Hudson Valley.” 

“The Hudson 7 has had a transformative impact since local leaders launched it with Riverkeeper’s support,” said Dan Shapley, Riverkeeper’s Senior Director for Advocacy, Policy and Planning, and a technical advisor to the Hudson 7. “The Council’s work has led to a paradigm shift, making drinking water a priority in decision-making about the Hudson River and its watershed.”

The Hudson 7 remains committed to its mission of preserving the Hudson River for the future, setting an example of what is possible through regional cooperation.

To review the campaign book, visit:  Hudson 7 Seven Campaigns and Key Actions (2020-2024)

About the Hudson 7  The Hudson 7 is a collaboration of the mid-Hudson municipalities that draw drinking water from the Hudson River:  Town of Esopus, Town of Hyde Park, Town of Lloyd, Town and City of Poughkeepsie, Town and Village of Rhinebeck located in Ulster and Dutchess counties.

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Rebecca Martin
Source Water Protection Coordinator/Consultant
Hudson River Drinking Water Intermunicipal Council (Hudson 7)

CHAIRMAN
Mayor Gary Bassett (Village of Rhinebeck)

VICE CHAIRMAN
Devin Rigolino (Dutchess County)

SECRETARY AND FOIL OFFICER
Ann Shershin (Town of Poughkeepsie)

TREASURER
Supervisor Elizabeth Spinzia (Town of Rhinebeck)