Grants Data Story

Where’s Rockland? Six Of The Seven Counties In the Mid-Hudson Region Receive Infrastructure Grants

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Four Out Of Five Rockland Towns And Most Villages Are Ineligible To Receive State Funding Supporting Housing Growth

New York State recently announced $36 million in infrastructure grants supporting 48 unique projects through the statewide County Infrastructure Grant Program.

In the Mid-Hudson region, every county except Rockland received funding for programs designed to spur additional housing opportunities or support economic growth.

The grant program, first launched in November of 2024 and administered by Empire State Development, awards funds to support small- and medium-sized county-led infrastructure projects. The state considers modern infrastructure essential to its economic vitality, continued economic growth, and much needed housing options.

Grants up to $500,000 were awarded to priority projects identified by the county that support economic development, contribute to placemaking or encourage tourism. Enhanced awards of up to $1 million are available for projects supporting the creation of housing with ten or more units. The funding was intended to support the construction of new homes.

“I’ve seen how investments like these can breathe new life into neighborhoods, drive housing growth, support vibrant downtowns, and bring new energy to local economies. We’re putting local priorities front and center as we build a stronger New York,” Governor Kathy Hochul said.

With the exception of Rockland County, the Mid-Hudson region received multiple awards.

In Dutchess County, $1 million dollars will support two projects in the Village of Red Hook, the expansion of its sewer system/wastewater treatment capacity, and the preservation of 97 acres of farmland, 12 of which will be transformed into an affordable housing hub.

Orange County scored $1 million for critical improvements to the Port Jervis water filtration plant, the development of more than 70 DRI-approved permanent housing units, and economic development of three private parcels on 118 acres.

Putnam County received $500,000 for improvements to various roadways, drainage improvements, curbing, sidewalk enhancements, landscaping and resurfacing with new pavement markings.

Ulster County received $1 million for the improvement of water distribution to benefit existing commercial and residential properties in the Village of New Paltz and directly support the development of four mixed-use, multi-story development projects set to include 253 new residential units, 37 of which are slated for affordable housing.

One million for Westchester County will support the creation of 62 affordable senior rental units through new construction and adaptive reuse of a former community center,, over one mile of new sidewalks and drainage improvements along the SUNY Westchester Community College access road to Knollwood Road.

And, Sullivan County received $288,426 toward improvements at the new “green” terminal building currently under construction at the Sullivan County International Airport in White Lake. The project also includes installation of ground power units to significantly enhance the airport’s ability to attract and accommodate jet traffic, positively impact local economic development, reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, minimize noise pollution, and enhance sustainability.

Earlier this year, Rockland County Business Journal reported that Rockland County lagged behind other counties in the Mid-Hudson Region on state awards and grants through the REDC for the past three years despite having the third largest economy and third largest population in the region.

When RCBJ previously reached out to our REDC representatives for explanations and comments, the query was referred to the REDC offices.  An REDC representative did not provide any clarity or data. Several attempts to learn whether Rockland County had fewer applicants, or whether fewer awards were made despite applications on par with other counties in the region.

The awards in this round were geared towards economic development, placemaking and tourism. Larger grants, up to $1 million, were only available for projects supporting the creation of housing with ten or more units.

While it seems certain that Rockland had many eligible projects, four of the five towns in Rockland have declined to participate in New York State’s Pro-Housing Community Program, which incentivizes municipalities to adopt pro-housing policies and streamline development. Ramapo is the only participating town. The villages of Nyack and Haverstraw are also certified Pro-Housing Communities. Spring Valley, New Square an Kaser have submitted letters of intent to participate but are not certified.

Municipalities that do not participate are barred from receiving grants or awards under many New York State programs, including the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), the NY Forward program, the Regional Council Capital Fund, capital projects from the Market New York program, the New York Main Street program, the Long Island Investment Fund (LIIF), the Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund, and the Public Transportation Modernization Enhancement Program (MEP).