Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant's announced closure in 2017 came as a total shock for the village of Buchanan. It's a village built around the power plant. There’s even a nuclear symbol in the village seal. Mayor Theresa Knickerbocker said state funds were needed to keep the village afloat.

“So, it did help balance the budget because that was additional money," she said. "Otherwise, we would have gone to the taxpayer for that.”

To overcome that loss, Knickerbocker said the village has turned to development, with several hundred housing units on the way. The local chamber of commerce has also redoubled tourism efforts.

“We've had to really focus a little bit more on finding new ways to bring people into our communities," said Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Carole Voisey. "Not just to visit and to hike, but also to be part of our communities, to move here, to live here.”

What You Need To Know

  • Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant announced its planned closure in 2017, with the first phase starting in 2021 

  • The Village of Buchanan is still dealing with significant economic impact, including the loss of its biggest taxpayer and hundreds of jobs

  • The nearby Hendrick Hudson School District lost a third of its $10 million budget because of the plant's closure 

While those efforts have helped the village recover some, the Hendrick Hudson School District remains at a crossroads. The district lost one-third of its nearly $100 million budget when Indian Point closed.

Superintendent Michael Tromblee said the community has come together to try and fill the gap. Residents have been understanding about small tax increases the last few years. But more help is needed from federal officials if the district is to avoid cutting programs or raising taxes significantly.

“Oftentimes, it appears that we're screaming into the wind saying 'we need some help,'" Tromblee said. "And you want to help children, you have an opportunity to do so. Come and help. Come and partner with us, and we’ll be happy to to show the impact that that could have.”

Knickerbocker said she’s working with officials to try and pass additional legislation to help communities like hers and remains ready for future opportunities in nuclear energy. 

“One of the key things I think in the future is for our community – and governor, if you're listening – the village of Buchanan would be open to having the small modular reactors there,” she said.