Congressman Mike Lawler announced on May 5 a $1 million relief fund to support small businesses in North Rockland that have been impacted by construction along Route 9W connected to the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) project.
The relief fund aims to help local businesses that experienced financial hardship due to ongoing construction disruptions. The initiative follows months of advocacy and negotiations led by Lawler, working with local officials and the North Rockland Chamber of Commerce.
“I want to thank the Champlain Hudson Power Express project, including Blackstone, Inc., the North Rockland Chamber of Commerce, the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan & Rockland, as well as our town supervisors from Stony Point and Haverstraw, our state and local officials, and most importantly, our small business owners, who never stopped speaking up and advocating for their communities. Small businesses aren’t just storefronts. They’re family livelihoods, they’re community anchors, and they deserve to be supported,” said Congressman Lawler.
The application process for affected businesses will be set up by the North Rockland Chamber of Commerce in coordination with the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan & Rockland counties and Lawler’s office. The Community Foundation will oversee distribution of funds with an independent review committee to ensure fairness.
Elizabeth Rowley, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan & Rockland said: “The Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan & Rockland looks forward to playing a role in helping the local businesses that were affected by the pipeline project. We are able to help manage an open and transparent application process for the funds, and support the review committee with collection and organization of appropriate documentation and backup.”
Stony Point Town Supervisor Amy Stamm said: “Thank you Congressman Lawler for delivering this critical support to our community. This $1 million commitment from the CHPE is a meaningful step in helping our local businesses move forward after the challenges brought on by construction. Our businesses are the backbone of Stony Point and a vital part of what makes our town such a great place to live.”
Lawler represents New York’s 17th Congressional District north of New York City which includes all or parts of several counties.
