Governor Andrew M. Cuomo awarded $1.9 million in Environmental Justice Community Impact Grants for 21 community-based projects across New York State that address environmental and public health concerns. The funding supports initiatives in low-income communities and communities of color that have historically been burdened by pollution and other environmental challenges.
“When we support grassroots efforts to build a greener, healthier, and more sustainable New York, everyone benefits,” Governor Cuomo said. “This newest round of Community Impact Grants will make a positive difference in the lives of all New Yorkers through innovative and successful initiatives that promote environmental justice and a better quality of life.”
This funding assists communities in developing and implementing programs that address environmental issues, harms, and health hazards, build community consensus, set priorities, and improve public outreach and education.
DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “Community Impact Grants support organizations undertaking comprehensive projects that address environmental concerns and study how environmental factors adversely influence quality of life in communities of color and low-income communities across New York. DEC remains committed to addressing environmental justice issues and looks forward to working with our new grantees to improve the environment in their communities.”
The Community Impact Grant awarded to to Groundwork Buffalo, Inc. is for the Green Team Education, Fruit Belt Restoration Program. The $100,000 grant will allow the program to enlist a group of teens and young adults between the ages of 14-24 to help plant, harvest, upkeep, and deliver fresh produce to the residents of the East Side of Buffalo.
