Monday, April 18, 2016

$11 Million in Climate Smart Community Grants Available to Municipalities

 
$11 million in Climate Smart Community grants is available for municipalities to become more resilient to the effects of climate change, including sea level rise and extreme weather. The announcement is part of New York’s Earth Week celebration, which Governor Cuomo proclaimed from April 17-23 to highlight the state’s commitment to protecting the environment, implementing clean energy initiatives and preparing for the effects of climate change.

“New York has a long history as a national leader in protecting the environment and promoting clean energy use,” Governor Cuomo said. “With this funding, we are continuing to take a proactive role in creating greener and more resilient communities while growing our economy and improving the quality of life statewide.”

Acting Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos made the announcement today at an event with local officials at the City of Schenectady City Hall.  

“Through the unprecedented expansion of the Environmental Protection Fund, local governments and State agencies will be able to accelerate action to combat climate change,” said Acting Commissioner Seggos. “Climate Smart Community grants empower local governments to become more resilient and adapt to the potentially devastating effects of climate change.”

Climate Smart Community Implementation grants will support mitigation and adaptation projects and range from $100,000 to $2 million. Eligible mitigation projects include efforts to mitigate or lessen the effects of climate change by reducing community greenhouse gas emissions through waste management and transportation improvements. Eligible adaptation projects include actions that enable a community to adapt or become more resilient to the impacts of climate change, including the relocation or retrofit of climate-vulnerable facilities, restoration of riparian buffers and tidal wetlands, construction of natural resiliency measures and other projects that reduce flood risk.  

Competitive grants will also provide support for local governments to become certified Climate Smart Communities by funding activities such as right-sizing of fleets and climate change adaptation planning. Climate Smart Community Certification grants will range from $25,000 to $100,000. Municipalities can apply for both grants beginning in early May through the Consolidated Funding Application (https://apps.cio.ny.gov/apps/cfa). 

Additional information is or will be posted here

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

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