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