North Country Region Receives One Million Dollar Planning Grant

The North Country region has received a one million dollar grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority for smart growth and sustainability planning.

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced in his 2011 State of the State Address the Cleaner Greener Communities program - an initiative to encourage regional sustainable growth planning. A consortium of municipalities and organizations in the North Country will receive one million dollars to develop a smart growth plan.  NYSERDA Spokesperson Kate Muller.

The grant requires a municipal sponsor and Essex County will fulfill that role.  Town of Minerva Supervisor Sue Montgomery-Corey, chair of the Board of Supervisors’ Green Committee, says the project builds on and enhances efforts that have been on-going in the Adirondacks.

Plattsburgh North Country Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Garry Douglas is Co-Chair of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council.  Douglas notes that clean energy was included in the regional economic plan and there are untapped opportunities for the generation of renewable and clean energy and conservation.

Each region of the state could be awarded up to one million dollars in this round of grants.  A second phase of competitive grants expected in 2013 for implementation will total 90-million dollars.