Government
“Reviving & Rebuilding Rockland One Grant At a Time” By Rockland County Executive Ed Day
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 [email protected] or 845-364-2027.
* This is a weekly column by Rockland County Executive Ed Day
NANUET, NY: NY State Senator Bill Weber proudly honored Virginia “Ginny” Norfleet as his 2025 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction during a special ceremony held at the State Capitol in Albany on May 13, 2025.
Ms. Norfleet, a lifelong Haverstraw resident, was recognized for her extraordinary commitment to preserving African American history and empowering the Rockland County community. As Founder and Executive Director of the Haverstraw African American Connection (HAAC), she has spent over 15 years educating the public on the vital contributions and legacy of African Americans in Haverstraw and beyond.
The youngest of nine children, Ms. Norfleet overcame economic hardship to become a successful real estate entrepreneur and civil rights leader. Her efforts have led to the creation of the Haverstraw African American Memorial Park, the restoration of community landmarks, and the establishment of local partnerships, including with the Rockland Holocaust Museum and Center for Tolerance and Education, which now features an exhibit on American slavery inspired by her research.
Ms. Norfleet’s advocacy has previously earned her a place in the Rockland County Civil Rights Hall of Fame and special recognition during Black History Month by the Town of Haverstraw.
The New York State Senate Woman of Distinction program honors women across the state who have made significant contributions in their communities and beyond. Each Senator selects one honoree to be recognized during the annual ceremony in Albany. Senator Weber’s previous Woman of Distinction honorees from Rockland County are Ileana Eckert (2023) and Dr. Mary P. Leahy (2024).
“Virginia Norfleet has dedicated her life to lifting up the stories of African American families in Rockland County and building bridges of understanding in our community,” said Senator Weber. “Her tireless leadership and advocacy continue to make a profound impact, and I was proud to recognize her in Albany as this year’s Woman of Distinction representing Rockland County.”
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