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“Reviving & Rebuilding Rockland One Grant At a Time” By Rockland County Executive Ed Day

Published

2 years ago

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Here in County Government, we are always working to improve the lives of everyone who calls beautiful Rockland home. For this reason, the moment my administration received $63 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds we capitalized on the opportunity to help Rocklanders who struggled significantly because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The grants we’ve distributed so far include:

Awarded over $1,3000,000 to small businesses.

Awarded $400,000.00 in non-profit rescue grants.

Awarded over $450,000.00 to restaurants.

Awarded $7,000,000.00 in Urban Green Space grants.

But that’s not all. We utilized the funding to a variety of beneficial community programs including the Youth Bureau TEEN Works program and the Spring Valley Youth Police Initiative, completed the Rockland Riverway Feasibility Study- 26-mile path from Palisades to Stony Point, and granted $1.5 million to acquire land for workforce housing.

But as I’ve said time and time again, we will make sure every single penny that we received will be utilized to help our families and as such I am proud to announce our newest grant program that will utilize $500,000 of ARPA funds to further support our nonprofits.

To combat the rates of food insecurity in Rockland County, which have dramatically increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the $500,000 of ARPA funds will be used to establish the Food Security Equipment Reimbursement Grant which aims to provide reimbursement funds to organizations for pantry related equipment expenses that encourage capacity building by increasing and improving the services pantries provide to their communities. This capacity building will ultimately cultivate a more resilient network of food pantries, which can improve their ability to weather future public health emergencies.

Individual reimbursement grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded to select organizations who meet the eligibility requirements for expenses including but not limited to:

Freezers

Refrigerators

Shelving

Insulated Storage Sheds

Lift-gates

Forklifts

Pallet Jacks

Hand Carts

Tents

Tables

Outdoor Heaters

Pantry-Related Software

Awarded organizations may be reimbursed for funds used for eligible equipment expenses incurred beginning January 1, 2024, and until the application submission period closes on May 31, 2024.

When our hardworking families endure a new level of strain these organizations always step up to help and we are honored to reciprocate that level of care and consideration to our heroic nonprofits.

We encourage nonprofits interested to contact our ARPA Department at ARPA@co.rockland.ny.us or 845-364-2027.

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

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West Point Memorial Monument Unveiled at La Fière Bridge Honors WWII Leaders

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13 hours ago

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June 10, 2026

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A new West Point Memorial Monument was unveiled on June 4, 2026, at La Fière Bridge in Sainte-Mère-Église, France, as part of the 82nd Anniversary commemoration of D-Day.

The monument honors more than 150 graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point’s Long Gray Line who led and fought during Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy that began on June 6, 1944.

Among the most notable West Point graduates associated with the Normandy campaign are General Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force; Lieutenant General Omar Bradley, who commanded U.S. ground forces on D-Day; Lieutenant General J. Lawton Collins, who led VII Corps during the assault on Utah Beach; and Major General Maxwell D. Taylor, who commanded the 101st Airborne Division during the airborne operations preceding the landings. These leaders played pivotal roles in planning and executing the operation that helped turn the tide of World War II in Europe.

Situated near the historic La Fière Bridge, a strategic objective during the Normandy campaign and the site of intense fighting following the airborne landings, the memorial stands as a lasting tribute to the courage, leadership, and sacrifice of West Point graduates who served during the liberation of Europe.

The bridge itself was a critical objective for Allied airborne forces, particularly elements of the 82nd Airborne Division, who fought to secure crossings and protect the inland advance from Utah Beach. The surrounding area remains one of the most studied and visited battlefields of the Normandy campaign.

The unveiling ceremony brought together military leaders, dignitaries, historians, veterans, and members of the public to honor the legacy of those who fought during D-Day and the broader Normandy campaign. The monument serves as a permanent reminder of the contributions made by generations of West Point graduates in defense of freedom during World War II.

Photo: Samantha Sergi

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Government

Rockland County Promotes Native Plants and Water-Smart Landscaping

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1 week ago

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June 3, 2026

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The Water Advisory Council is encouraging residents to embrace water-smart landscaping practices that conserve water and support environmental health.

Officials recommend reducing nonfunctional lawn areas and replacing them with native plants, drought-tolerant landscaping, rain gardens, bioswales, and rain barrels. These practices help reduce water consumption, manage stormwater runoff, improve groundwater recharge, and increase resilience to climate change.

According to the Council, water demand in Rockland County rises from an average of 30 million gallons per day to as much as 45 million gallons per day during the warmer months, placing additional strain on local water supplies.

Residents are encouraged to consider native plants such as Creeping Phlox, Foamflower ‘Elizabeth Oliver,’ and Jacob’s Ladder, which require less watering once established and are well-suited to local conditions.

Examples of successful rain gardens featuring native plants can be found at Orangeburg Library, Bowline Point Park, Kennedy Dells County Park, and Piermont Library.

By replacing sections of lawn with native plants and incorporating features that manage rainwater naturally, residents can play a direct role in protecting Rockland County’s water resources.

The initiative is part of the county’s ongoing effort to promote sustainable landscaping and encourage participation in the national “Less Lawn More Life” movement.

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