Rockland to Use Some of Its $63 Million in American Rescue Plan Funding for 21-Mile Hiking/Biking Trail

Rockland Daily Staff

In an effort to create healthier neighborhoods, Rockland County is utilizing $10 million of the $63M in American Rescue Plan Act funding previously awarded to develop recreational opportunities, including a 21-mile shared-use path and more urban green spaces. 

“One of the many hardships we faced during the pandemic is the toll it took on the mental health of our residents. That is why we are utilizing some of the American Rescue Plan funds to invest in the well-being of our families by creating more green spaces they can benefit from for generations to come,” said Rockland County Executive Ed Day.  

The recreation grant program will promote healthy living through the creation of a 21-mile nature path that will traverse several communities along the Hudson River. 

The shared-used path will promote healthy activities and education while boosting the local economy and allowing visitors to absorb Rockland's culture and history.

Rockland officials identified an increase in physical inactivity leading to chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease after conducting a community health assessment. 

The next steps include a feasibility study on the costs of the trail that the County is presently conducting. Design plans will follow.

Local municipalities and nonprofits will be awarded between $5,000 and $200,000 for public urban green-space investments in projects such as 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; and mini-forests.