GUEST VIEWPOINT: County Executive’s Corner: Reviving and Rebuilding Rockland

Here in county government, we are always working to improve the lives of everyone who calls beautiful Rockland home. This month I am proud to announce two more grant programs that will utilize $7 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to do just that supporting small businesses and urban green spaces.

We know that people have struggled significantly because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A report done last year by the New York State Comptroller found that four out of five small businesses in New York, which make up 99% of all businesses nationwide and about 50% of our state’s workforce, continue to report negative economic impacts caused by the pandemic.

The Rockland Small Business Rescue Grant Program will utilize $2 million in ARPA funds to reimburse small businesses between $5,000 and $50,000 for eligible expenses incurred during, and related to, the pandemic.

Eligible businesses include, but are not limited to, Indoor Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation, Pet Grooming, Boarding, and Walking, Restaurants, Eateries, Food Stands and Food Trucks, Bars, Bakeries, Cafes, Breweries/Wineries Catering, Delis, etc., Bookstore/Stationary, Housekeeping, Fitness Centers, Florists, General Retail, Salons/Spas, Bicycle shops, Other Consumer Service Firms (i.e., Architectural, Design, Marketing).

Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to:

• Commercial/Retail Rent (up to 3 months)

• Safety Investments (Including PPE, Cleaning Supplies, UV Cleaning
Supplies/Services)

• Hardware Fees

• Software Fees

• Marketing Fees (advertising and promotion)

• Credit Card Processing Fees (difference of increase from 2021 to 2022)
Supplies (operational items)

The pandemic highlighted the importance of urban green spaces. Across the country when many indoor recreation activities were restricted residents throughout Rockland chose to spend their time in outdoor areas that remained accessible. Residents who utilized urban green spaces reported better health outcomes during the pandemic than those who rarely went outside.

The Rockland Resilient Recreation Grant Program will award municipalities and non-profits between $5,000 up to $200,000 for investments in public urban green spaces, with the total grant program utilizing up to $5 million in ARPA Funds.

Eligible Entities:

Rockland County Municipalities
Rockland County Nonprofits

Projects include but are not limited to:
Active Parks
Passive Parks (Gardens, open play areas, picnic areas, sitting areas, etc.)
Playgrounds
Paths to Connect Existing Green Spaces
Community Food Gardens
Multi-Use Green Infrastructure (Stormwater basins, rain gardens, etc.)
Community beautification projects
Mini-Forests

We have made great progress in recovering from the economic damage of the COVID-19 pandemic and must continue to support the small businesses that are the lifeblood of our economy, but a business is only as strong as their workforce. For that reason, we believe it is crucial to also invest in the mental health of our residents by developing more urban green spaces. These two programs will help ensure Rockland’s recovery stays on track

I ask that you please share this information with your favorite small businesses and non-profits you may volunteer with or donate to. We’re utilizing every avenue available to raise awareness of this funding.

Applications for these grant programs are available right now. For more information and to download an application visit:

https://rocklandgov.com/departments/county-executive/reviving-and-rebuilding-rockland/grants