Environment DEC
From the October 2007 issue
DEC Opens Adirondack Smart Growth Applications
Smart growth seeks to find the right balance between development and preservation for Adirondack communitiesNew York State has opened up the application process for $1 million in smart growth planning grants to Adirondack Park communities. DEC has mailed official Requests for Application (RFAs) to more than 100 units of local governments in the park and posted the application on the Smart Growth Program web page of its website.
Fosters Sustainable Development
The new Adirondack Park Community Smart Growth Program is geared at helping park communities develop plans that foster sustainable development, environmental protection and community livability. The Department of State and the Adirondack Park Agency will assist DEC with implementation of the program.
In announcing the program, DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis said, "The continued protection of the Adirondack Park starts with the protection of its communities and residents - and this grant program will help provide the financial resources they need to invest in planning for their future."
Grannis had announced the launch of the program in July. DEC has now finalized the application process and guidelines, including the following grant categories:
- Village, Hamlet and Town Center Revitalization
- Sustainable Economic Development
- Cultural, Environmental and Natural Adirondack Resources
Application Deadline Extended to December 28
Based on the enthusiastic response to public workshops held in September and a request from local governments, the deadline for submitting proposals has been extended to Friday, Dec. 28, 2007. A series of workshops were scheduled, with the assistance of the Adirondack Association of Towns and Villages, to brief potential municipal government applicants on the grant program. The last two workshops are scheduled for October 3 and 4. See the link to the complete press release below for more information. Parties can apply for local, regional or Park-wide planning grants geared at addressing the special conditions of the Adirondack Park. Municipal and local government applicants are encouraged to work with higher education institutions and non-profit organizations with expertise in park-related matters. Awards, covering 100 percent of project costs, will be made on a competitive basis.
The Adirondack Park Community Smart Growth Program is modeled after the national "smart growth" movement, which promotes strategic planning to achieve growth that balances the need for economic development with protection of the natural and built environment. Governor Eliot Spitzer provided $2 million in the 2007-8 state budget for "Smart Growth Funds'' and earmarked half to go to Adirondack Park communities.
More Information
The Adirondack Association of Towns and Villages is encouraging communities to apply. See the full press release for the schedule of smart growth workshops.
Related Links:
Adirondack Association of Towns and Villages (leaving DEC's site)
