(Schenectady, NY)  Schenectady County Officials today announced that two green infrastructure projects in Schenectady County were among forty projects Statewide that received grants from the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC).  EFC announced funding for projects under the Green Innovation Grant program which distributes federal stimulus dollars to fund clean water infrastructure projects.

“As we continue the greening of Schenectady County, we appreciate the support of Governor Cuomo and the EFC,” said Mike Petta, Chair of the County Legislature’s Environmental Committee.  “These grants continue our efforts to create a greener, more pedestrian and bike friendly downtown.”

“These projects demonstrate once again that Schenectady County is a leader in protecting the environment,” said Judith Dagostino, Chairwoman of the Schenectady County Legislature.  “These grants continue our successful efforts to green Schenectady County and leave a better place for our children and grandchildren.”

The first grant of $35,500 will be utilized to create a new design for Franklin Street in downtown Schenectady. The new design will create approximately .15 acres (6,500 SqFt) of green space/green infrastructure to help treat stormwater.  A new bike trail will also be added that will connect the current path from Central Park to Vale Park with the State bike/hike trail that runs through downtown Schenectady.

The second grant for $281,000 will retrofit a County- owned parking lot located at the corner of Veeder Avenue and Albany Street across from the County office building.  The new lot will feature porous pavement and bioinfiltration basins that will capture and manage stormwater.  The current lot lacks any stormwater management structures and has no green space.  The grant will be used to beautify the lot and eliminate stormwater surface runoff that adversely impacts Veeder Avenue.

A total of ninety-six applications were submitted statewide with forty selected for funding.  The County Department of Economic Development and Planning submitted both grant applications and worked closely with the County Engineering Department, Metroplex and the City of Schenectady to submit the winning grant applications.

Contact:
Joe McQueen
(518) 388-4772