A Step in the Right Direction for Gowanus

We’re all concerned about the environmental impact that our actions make. Now, two groups have been awarded urban forestry grants in our area, and hopefully they’ll use these to clean up our act.

Grants Awarded

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has just awarded these grants to the Gowanus Canal Conservancy and to the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project. The grants are for $37,400 and $25,000 respectively.

Helping the Environment

As the DEC Commissioner Joe Martens explained, “Urban forestry initiatives are key to promoting clean air, clean water, energy savings, habitat creation, and improved quality of life for New York residents. These grants build upon our goals to improve the environment across the state and will have a lasting impact by creating cleaner, healthier communities for both current and future generations to enjoy.”

Beating Out the Competition

These recipients rose above 163 total applicants to receive the much coveted grants. They won the awards based on criteria that evaluated the contributions that their projects would have to the local environment. The funding comes from New York’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF).

Certainly a step in the right direction for our little area of the world!