A new deal between Buchanan and Indian Point nuclear power plant guarantees that people living in the village will continue to enjoy its services for the next decade.

Under the new 10-year pilot program, Indian Point owner and operator Entergy will give Buchanan about $2.5 million every year. Village trustee Duane Jackson says the services provided by that money is the lifeblood of the community.

While most Buchanan residents are in favor of the village's relationship with Indian Point, some environmentalists such as Marilyn Elle would like to see the plant shut down.

Elle fears that a meltdown similar to the one at Fukushima in Japan could happen at Indian Point. "How much risk do you want to tolerate for your home, for your family, for your pets, the land, for New York City?" she asks.

Entergy officials say a meltdown is unlikely, and despite several transformer fires over the years, they insist that safety is the company's No. 1 priority.

"It's a commitment that the company has shown time and again by investing more than a billion dollars in equipment and different security systems and safety systems to ensure that this plant is operating safely," says Indian Point spokeswoman Patricia Kakridas.

Buchanan officials say that if the plant ever stops operating, there is a contingency plan in place for money to continue coming into the village on a yearly basis, but at a lesser amount.