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Press Conference To Bring Attention To Funding Available To Help Low-Income Families Pay Their Water Bills

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2 years ago

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Press Conference to Bring Awareness to Federally Funded Program that has Already Provided Millions of Dollars in Relief to Local Households, Additional Funding Still Available 

 Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Westchester County Executive George Latimer will be joined by local social service and nonprofit leaders for a press conference in recognition of “LIHWAP Awareness Day.” The press conference will take place on Thursday, January 12, at 2:00 PM at The Nyack Seaport (21 Burd St., Nyack, NY 10960).

 The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a federally funded program administered by New York State designed to help low-income households reduce the balances on their residential water and wastewater bills. LIHWAP Awareness Day is intended to bring greater awareness of this program to families in Westchester and Rockland Counties who may be eligible for relief. 

Hear from County Executives Day and Latimer and social service and nonprofit leaders about how this program has helped local families and how there’s more funding available. Proclamations will be presented at the press conference, and the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge will be lit yellow – the color of hope – on January 12 in recognition of LIHWAP Awareness Day. 

 WHO: Rockland County Executive Ed Day 

        Westchester County Executive George Latimer

              Joan Silvestri, Commissioner, Rockland County, Dept. of Social Services 

              Leonard Towns, Commissioner, Westchester County, Dept. of Social Services 

              Tom Gabriel, President & CEO, United Way of Westchester and Putnam 

               Steve Papas, President & CEO, United Way of Rockland 

               Additional Speakers TBA 

  WHEN: Thursday, January 12, 2023 

         2:00 PM – 2:45 PM 

 WHERE:  The Nyack Seaport 

                   21 Burd St. 

                   Nyack, NY 10960

 Background

The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a federally funded program administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).  

 The program can assist households who have past due bills for water and sewer services and can help prevent water and sewer services from being shut off. LIHWAP is a benefit based on the actual amount of water and/or sewer arrears, up to a maximum of $2,500 per water or sewer provider, or $5,000 if water and sewer services are combined, per applicant household. 

The OTDA has set up a secure Application Portal for households to apply for LIHWAP online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The program will expire on Dec. 31, 2023. Learn more here. 

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Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II A Lifetime of Service and Pride in His Heritage

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5 days ago

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March 20, 2025

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Rockland County Legislator Paul Cleary expressed that if the ancestors of District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II could see him today, they would be incredibly proud of his dedication and achievements. Born in the Bronx and a graduate of Congers Elementary and Clarkstown High School, Walsh has committed his life to law enforcement. After earning his law degree from St. John’s University School of Law, he became a practicing lawyer in 1976. He was elected Haverstraw Village Justice in 1983 and, over the past 42 years, has served in judicial positions at the Town, County, and State levels.

Walsh takes great pride in his Irish heritage, having traveled extensively in Ireland, including visiting his grandmother Rose Devine Leonard’s cottage in Ballinagh, County Cavan, as well as touring the Irish Supreme Court. In addition to his professional work, he is an active member of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick and Division 3 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, along with several bar associations. He has also been involved with the American Red Cross in Rockland, serving on its Board of Directors.

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Government

Harckham’s $50,000 Grant Helps Stony Point FD Enhance Firefighter Safety

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1 week ago

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March 15, 2025

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New York State Senator Pete Harckham announced today that the Stony Point Fire District has been awarded a $50,000 state grant for the purchase and maintenance of critical firefighter turnout gear, including specialized equipment designed for combating wildfires, all of which will help ensure the safety and effectiveness of the town’s first responders.

Harckham has so far secured a total of $3.1 million in grant funding for the Town of Stony Point, North Rockland schools, libraries and non-profit organizations serving the community since the town became part of the 40th Senate District in 2022.

The grant will enable the Fire District to equip its firefighters with modern, high-quality turnout gear, which includes protective clothing such as jackets, pants, helmets, and boots. A portion of the funding is earmarked specifically for specialized wildfire gear, designed to withstand the intense heat and rugged conditions of wildland firefighting. This investment ensures that firefighters are prepared to respond to a wide range of emergencies, from structure fires to the growing threat of wildfires in the region.

“On behalf of the Stony Point Fire District, we extend our gratitude to Senator Harckham for securing this critical funding,” said Kevin Huslinger, chair of the Stony Point Fire District Board of Commissioners. “This grant will allow us to outfit our firefighters with the latest protective gear, including specialized equipment for wildfires, which is essential as we work to keep our community safe in an ever-changing environment. Senator Harckham’s support strengthens our ability to serve and protect.”

Stony Point Fire Chief Kurt Mulligan added, “With this new gear, our firefighters can face both structure fires and wildfires with the appropriate safety equipment, each of which is designed for the specific nature of those calls. It’s not just about equipment—it’s about bringing our team home safely after every call. We’re incredibly thankful for this investment in our district and fire company members.”

[Attached photo: State Sen. Pete Harckham with Robert Sullivan, vice chair of the Stony Point Fire District Board of Commissioners. Credit: Office of State Sen. Pete Harckham / James Persons]

 

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