Champlain Hudson Power Express to Provide $1M for Impacted North Rockland Businesses
STONY POINT, NY—A host of elected officials announced last week that Champlain Hudson Power Express had agreed to provide $1 million in funding to assist small businesses in North Rockland impacted by construction along Route 9W tied to the CHPE project.
The funding was announced on May 5 by U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler and other county and municipal leaders at a press conference in Stony Point. The North Rockland Chamber of Commerce—in coordination with the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan and Rockland counties along with Congressman Mike Lawler’s office—will establish an application process for impacted businesses. The Community Foundation will oversee the fund, with an independent review to ensure a fair and transparent distribution.
“I want to thank…most importantly our small business owners, who never stopped speaking up and advocating for their communities,” said Congressman Lawler. “Small businesses aren’t just storefronts; they’re family livelihoods, they’re community anchors and they deserve to be supported.”
Jen Laird-White, SVP/External Affairs, Transmission Developers, said, “The Champlain Hudson Power Express team is incredibly proud of the significant support that we have provided to New York’s communities along the entire 339-mile project route including sponsorship of local community events, purchasing from small businesses along the route, and supporting local nonprofits. The Good Neighbor Fund is a further reflection of that commitment.” She thanked community leaders, elected officials and local stakeholders “who supported us during our construction and are pleased that CHPE is set to begin commercial operation later this month.”
Rockland County Executive Ed Day was pleased that CHPE had set up the fund and noted last October, he and the Rockland County Legislature made it clear they would withhold entering into a PILOT Agreement (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) with CHPE until meaningful relief was provided to those impacted.
“This outcome is unquestionably the result of that action in addition to sustained advocacy by many,” Mr. Day said. “I also want to thank our local residents and business owners who fought back and stayed on top of this—to hold CHPE accountable. The County will always stand firm in demanding accountability and protecting the people of Rockland.”
Published: May 13, 2026.