Nanuet, NY — Local and state leaders announced that the long-awaited Orangetown Preservation Fund has officially become law, clearing the way for the town to establish a dedicated fund aimed at protecting open space and natural resources. Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed the legislation after several years of revisions, reintroductions, and repeated attempts to move the measure across the finish line.
The initiative was first proposed in 2021 by Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny and originally introduced in the Assembly by then-Assemblyman Mike Lawler. It remained a priority for Rockland County’s delegation at both the state and federal levels. Senator Bill Weber carried the bill in the State Senate for three consecutive years. The measure passed both chambers in 2023 but was vetoed by the governor, then passed only the Senate in 2024 before finally winning full approval in 2025.
The new law authorizes Orangetown to create a Community Preservation Fund through local legislation. The fund may accept gifts, land interests, and certain government revenues, all of which must be used exclusively for conservation efforts and cannot be transferred to other municipal accounts. Town officials say the fund is intended to help preserve Orangetown’s natural character while giving residents a transparent mechanism for long-term environmental planning.
Several lawmakers involved in the effort praised the bill’s passage, noting its bipartisan support and community-focused goals. Lawler said he was encouraged to see the initiative he originally authored become law and thanked state and local leaders who pushed it forward. Weber highlighted the importance of allowing towns to shape their own environmental priorities, while Kenny emphasized the long-term benefits for residents and the environment.
The establishment of the Orangetown Preservation Fund marks a significant milestone for local conservation advocates, who have argued for years that the town needed a more structured and sustainable approach to protecting open space.