For Release: Monday, March 7, 2011

DEC Reminds Adirondack Park Municipalities of Deadline For Smart Growth Grant Applications

Applications for the 2010 Adirondack Park Community Smart Growth Grant must be received by 4 p.m., Friday, March 18, 2011, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Joe Martens reminded Adirondack Park municipalities today.

"DEC's prior investment in Smart Growth Grants for Adirondack Park communities has already begun to shape plans for sustainable economic growth in the Park, " said Acting Commissioner Martens. "We are encouraging those municipalities that did not receive funding in 2007 to re-apply and the Department is also seeking applications for new projects."

DEC seeks proposals for planning initiatives which link environmental protection, economic development and community livability within the special conditions of the Adirondack Park. The Program will give special consideration to strategic planning projects for economic development and job creation. Projects submitted must be consistent with the Smart Growth principles outlined in the application package.

The projects should be geared toward one of the following categories:

Village, Hamlet and Town Center Revitalization
Sustainable Economic Development
Cultural, Environmental and Natural Adirondack Resources

Any municipality located wholly or partially within the Adirondack Park is eligible to apply. However, the actual project must be located wholly in the Park. Projects may involve partnership with not-for-profit organizations.

DEC anticipates approximately $500,000 in funding will be made available from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). State assistance may fund up to 100 percent of approved project-related costs.

Grants will be made available for projects of the following types:

Local - projects are those that involve one municipal government.
Regional - projects are those that involve three or more municipalities in a similar geographic region of the Park.
Park-wide - projects are those projects that involve multiple municipalities and have a Park-wide scope.

More information on the 2010 Adirondack Park Community Smart Growth Grant Program, including application forms, can be found on DEC's website.