Press Releases

Stony Point, N.Y. – 5/5/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler announced a $1 million relief fund to support small businesses in North Rockland impacted by construction along Route 9W tied to the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) project.

Following months of advocacy and negotiations led by Lawler in coordination with local officials and the North Rockland Chamber of Commerce, the funding will provide direct assistance to businesses that experienced financial hardship due to prolonged construction disruptions.

“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 North Rockland Chamber of Commerce, in coordination with the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan, and Rockland counties and the Office of Congressman Mike Lawler, 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.

“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.  We are grateful to all of the 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,” said Jen Laird-White, SVP/External Affairs, Transmission Developers. 

“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,” said Elizabeth Rowley, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan & Rockland. 

“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,” said Stony Point Town Supervisor Amy Stamm.

Photos from today’s announcement can be found HERE.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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