Environment DEC
From the May 2005 issue
Governor Announces Environmental Grants for New York City
The quality of life in the New York City region will improve through education, community involvement and enhanced access to public spaces
Governor George E. Pataki announced 67 grants totaling more than $850,000 which will encourage community involvement in environmental protection and education. The grants are being awarded to New York City metropolitan area organizations to support projects that educate citizens about the value of natural resources, encourage community involvement in environmental protection, and enhance public access to urban shorelines, waterways, parklands and open spaces.
"Over the last 11 years, we've worked to make New York a national leader in open space conservation and environmental protection," Governor Pataki said. "We are committed to working with local communities to achieve our goals of a cleaner, healthier environment and a better quality of life for our residents. I'm proud that these grants will support important community projects in New York City that will promote a greater awareness of the city's unique natural resources and help foster a lifelong appreciation for nature and the need to protect our environment for future generations."
NYC Environmental Fund
The grants, ranging from $3,000 to $50,000, are administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Hudson River Foundation and funded through the New York City Environmental Fund. The fund was created as part of an environmental enforcement settlement between DEC and the Consolidated Edison Company (ConEd). Under the terms of the settlement, ConEd provided money to establish the fund, supervised by the Hudson River Foundation, for support of environmental stewardship and educational programs.
The grant program supports projects that foster the restoration, care, understanding, and enjoyment of the natural areas of New York City and designated parts of Westchester County. Including today's announcement, the Environmental Fund has supported more than 500 projects.
"The New York City Environmental Fund is a remarkable example of the impact that a sustained private-public collaboration can have on the neighborhoods of New York City," said Clay Hiles, Executive Director of the Hudson River Foundation. "These grants have been matched by the extraordinary energy and dedication of the staff and volunteers of literally hundreds of recipient organizations to enrich the connections between New York citizens and their environment."
DEC Acting Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan said, "Environmental conservation and natural resource protection are not limited to the rural areas of New York. These grants will assist important community-based organizations in their efforts to improve the quality of life in the New York City region and enhance the natural landscape in one of the country's most populated regions."
Hudson River Foundation
The Hudson River Foundation seeks to make science integral to decision-making with regard to the Hudson River and its watershed and to support competent stewardship of this extraordinary resource. This purpose is pursued through support of scientific research; communication to expand knowledge about the river among the scientific community, policy- makers, and the public at large; initiatives to enhance management of the Hudson ecosystem, and education about the river and physical improvements to the riverfront. For more information about the New York City Environmental Fund, please contact the Hudson River Foundation at 212-924-8290.
