A coalition of Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, and Schoharie counties, towns, and organizations received a $1 million grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to create a comprehensive growth plan for regional sustainability.
The plan is part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Cleaner, Greener Communities program.
The coalition, comprised of government representatives, local municipalities, and various agencies from each county, will develop a growth plan for the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council area with the Otsego County and Oneida County economic development and planning departments leading the process.
The development of a comprehensive regional sustainability plan is the first phase of the Cleaner, Greener Communities program and is intended to provide resources that each region can use to develop its own vision, goals, and objectives for a sustainable future, identify actions needed to achieve that future, and outline metrics to measure success.
“This funding is an excellent opportunity for the Mohawk Valley region to develop a plan that improves environmental quality by reducing air, water, and land pollution and that improves quality of life through smart growth and sustainable development,” Francis J. Murray, Jr., president and CEO of NYSERDA, said in a release.
Once a plan is developed, additional funding will become available from the Cleaner, Greener Communities program on a competitive basis to implement programs that support the goals of the plans. Projects must create opportunities for achieving carbon reductions, energy efficiency savings, and/or renewable energy deployment while enhancing job creation, economic investment, and development consistent with the region’s plan. Options include the promotion and use of renewable energy sources, exploring locally-produced energy, energy conservation, and reduction in the use of fossil fuels.
Contact DeLore at tdelore@tmvbj.com