Connect with us

Government

31 Businesses Awarded +$298,000 in Tourism Grants” 
By Rockland County Executive Ed Day

Published

2 years ago

on

I recently alongside our Director of Economic Development and Tourism Lucy Redzeposki announced $298,650 in grants to 31 organizations promoting tourism in Rockland Friday, the highest amount ever. The county-funded grants are competitive and utilized to promote events in Rockland outside of the county. Every dollar awarded comes with performance expectations attached.

When I was first elected to be your County Executive, we were the most fiscally stressed County in all of New York with a $138-million deficit. We needed every lifeline imaginable to help Rockland rebound and tourism played a crucial role in that recovery.

Tourism has endless benefits; it creates jobs, strengthens economies, and contributes to infrastructure development.

According to the most recent Tourism Economic Study from New York State, in 2022, tourism generated:

6,532 jobs in Rockland County, a 7.6% increase over 2021.
$513 million in visitor spending, a 104.7% increase to 2019 and 18% increase vs. 2021.
$1.4 million in Occupancy Tax revenue, a 26% increase over 2021.

When visitors explore our downtowns, eat at our restaurants, or shop in our stores, they are not just fueling our economy, they are stabilizing taxes for our residents.

Without tourism generated sales and local taxes, the average household in Rockland would have to pay an additional $581 in yearly taxes to maintain current services. That is a lot of money saved thanks to the efforts of our Economic Development and Tourism Office creating programs like the grants we are announcing here today.

These funds are going to organizations that bring arts, music, theater, sports, and culture into Rockland, enriching our county and economy simultaneously.

When this grant program first began in 2016, we were only able to award about $100,000.

Thanks to the efforts of Lucy Redzeposki, our Director of Economic Development and Tourism and the dedicated staff in the Department, this year we are distributing over $298,000 in tourism grants – more than ever before – to 31 organizations.

We have every confidence that the organizations receiving this funding will use it to bring visitors here to see all that Rockland has to offer.

And I know that once those tourists get a taste of our music, theater, art, riverfronts, and downtowns, they’ll keep coming back.


Congratulations to the organizations who have won these awards! We know you will do us proud with your efforts and I look forward to attending so many of these wonderful events.

This is a weekly column by Rockland County Executive Ed Day.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Government

Report Litterbugs in Rockland County Through Keep Rockland Beautiful Program

Published

1 day ago

on

May 9, 2026

By

Littering is illegal and can result in fines for those who commit the offense. Some litterbugs simply need to be informed and reminded that littering — whether deliberate or unintentional — can end with a personal commitment to stop.

The Keep Rockland Beautiful Report-A-Litterbug Program encourages the public to report people who litter in an effort to help make Rockland County’s roadways cleaner. The program provides every individual with an opportunity to be an active participant in reducing litter.

If you see someone littering from their car, or trash blowing out from the back of a truck, the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office will send the vehicle owner a warning letter based on your report to Keep Rockland Beautiful.

To report a litterbug, visit: Keep Rockland Beautiful Report-A-Litterbug Program

Continue Reading

Government

Senate Approves Bill Expanding SPCA Fingerprinting Access

Published

3 days ago

on

May 7, 2026

By

A bipartisan bill sponsored by Pete Harckham aimed at helping SPCAs across New York more effectively investigate and prosecute animal cruelty cases has passed the State Senate unanimously.

The legislation, S.1664, would authorize SPCA officers statewide to access the same live scan fingerprinting system currently used by law enforcement agencies following an arrest. Supporters say the measure would streamline arrest processing, improve officer efficiency, and help prevent suspects from avoiding prosecution.

At present, many SPCA officers in New York must rely on outside law enforcement agencies to process fingerprints after making an arrest, often causing delays.

“SPCA officers must have the tools and resources they need to protect defenseless animals from cruelty and neglect and the public at large from serial abusers,” Harckham said in a statement. “With access to live scan fingerprinting, officers can quickly determine whether a suspect has a history of abuse or is wanted for other crimes.”

Harckham said the legislation was inspired by conversations with officers from the Putnam County SPCA, who reported that delays in fingerprint processing sometimes allowed suspects with outstanding warrants to remain free longer than necessary.

Chief Ken Ross of the Putnam County SPCA praised the bill’s passage, noting the connection between animal cruelty and other violent crimes.

“Animal cruelty crimes are especially disturbing because they target the most vulnerable,” Ross said. “These offenses are often linked to other forms of violence, including child abuse and domestic violence.”

According to supporters of the legislation, animal cruelty cases have increased across New York since the COVID-19 pandemic. SPCAs cite rising living costs, behavioral health challenges, and the expiration of eviction protections as contributing factors.

Data from Humane Society International indicates that 85% of individuals arrested for animal cruelty have prior arrests, many involving felony offenses. The organization also reports significant overlap between domestic violence and animal abuse cases.

If enacted into law, the bill would expand investigative capabilities for SPCAs statewide and strengthen coordination between animal welfare agencies and law enforcement officials.

Continue Reading

Trending