Environment DEC
From the August 2007 issue
State Announces $1 Million in Adirondack Smart Growth Grants
From left: DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis, Lake George Mayor Robert Blais and Economic Development Council Chair Dan Gundersen announce the new Smart Growth Grants Program
Saying sustainable development and environmental protection go hand-in-hand, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis and other state officials recently announced that $1 million in Environmental Protection Fund grant money will be made available to Adirondack Park communities to promote smart growth planning.
Applicants Compete for Grants
The Smart Growth Grants Program for the Adirondacks will establish a competitive fund for counties, towns, villages and not-for-profit organizations to develop plans that link sustainable development, environmental protection and community livability. DEC's commissioner will oversee this initiative in consultation with the Adirondack Park Agency.
"The Adirondack Park is a natural gem worthy of continued protection," said Governor Eliot Spitzer. "In addition to having the nation's only constitutionally protected wild forest land, the Adirondack Park is home to more than 130,000 full-time residents, hundreds of businesses, and many distinct communities whose future prosperity depends upon the continued protection of the park's natural resources as well as expansion of sustainable economic-development opportunities."
DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis said: "Historically, economic development and environmental conservation in the Adirondacks have been at odds. But they don't have to be. And shouldn't be. This program is an opportunity to begin to change that. Protecting the forest preserve and fostering a good quality of life for the park residents is in everyone's best interest."
Funds Address a Variety of Land-use Issues
Governor Spitzer secured $2 million in the 2007-08 Environmental Protection Fund for grants to promote smart growth initiatives; $1 million will be earmarked for the Adirondacks. Smart growth grants can be used in rural communities to address some of the land-use issues facing park communities-workforce housing, aging infrastructure, water quality, economic development, open space protection, and village/hamlet revitalization.
Smart growth is sensible, planned growth that balances the need for economic development with concerns about preserving the quality of life of an area, such as preserving the natural and built environment. Smart growth is also useful in attracting investment from an increasing number of businesses that value a community's quality of life when making decisions on where to locate a facility. A recent report from the state Economic Development Council found that access to outdoor recreation has become a major factor in business location decision-making.
Environmental groups said the program could provide much needed aid for planning. Grant monies will be available to counties and municipalities, as well as not-for-profit organizations that work with municipalities.
More Information
For more information about the grants, or to receive requests for proposals, contact the DEC at 518-402-9405. The full press release, from which this story was excerpted, contains a fact sheet with more details as well.
