For Release: Monday, January 28, 2008

DEC Announces Availability of More than $1.2 Million in Environmental Justice Grants

Funding for Communities to Assess and Address Environmental Harm and Risk

Aiming to help neighborhood organizations address local concerns, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today it is now accepting applications for Environmental Justice Community Impact Grants.

The grants are being made available to local community organizations in neighborhoods historically overburdened by a higher density of contaminated sites, air pollution, water pollution, noise, lack of green open space and waterfront access, related public health impacts, and reduced quality of life, as compared to other communities in New York State. Eligible grant projects must address environmental or related human health problems in the community and educate community residents.

Grants will range from $2,500 to $50,000. In 2006 and 2007, nearly $300,000 was awarded to organizations throughout the state for projects such as green rooftops, contaminated site inventories, air monitoring, community gardens, childhood lead poisoning education programs, and many other projects. For this grant cycle, more than $1.2 million in grant funding is available.

"With this year's cycle of grants, the Department has increased the maximum grant award from $25,000 to $50,000 in order to promote more encompassing projects and encourage qualified applicants to apply," Grannis said.

Grant applications are available from the DEC Office of Environmental Justice by calling 1-866-229-0497 or by visiting the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/31226.html . Grant writing workshops will be scheduled throughout New York State. Please consult the DEC website for workshop dates and locations, frequently asked questions, and other information.

For technical assistance or general application questions, contact: Monica Kreshik, Environmental Justice Coordinator, or Doug Morrison, Environmental Program Specialist, at the DEC Office of Environmental Justice, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York, 12233-1500. Toll free: 1-866-229-0497, Telephone: 518- 402-8556, email: ej@gw.dec.state.ny.us