In a substantial move for environmental justice, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a grant of over $12.6 million earmarked for projects aimed at enhancing environmental education in some of the most pollution-burdened communities across the state. This funding, sourced from the state's Environmental Protection Fund, targets construction and enhancement of various education centers designed to empower locals through increased awareness and actionable knowledge in the face of environmental challenges.
The grant, as reported by the Governor's Office, is a part of New York State's continued commitment to environmental justice, especially for disadvantaged communities, "This new funding will directly support local efforts to create or expand environmental education centers that engage New Yorkers on local programs to improve quality of life, enhance air quality and help build a cleaner, greener future," Governor Hochul stated.
These grants will be administered through the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Office of Environmental Justice. This initiative is an answer to the recent federal cuts to environmental justice programs, securing the largest amount ever awarded by the DEC's OEJ for a single grant opportunity. Commissioner Amanda Lefton highlighted the importance of starting environmental education at the community level, noting, “The over $12.6 million awarded through DEC’s Environmental Education Centers grant program will help promote exploration, discovery, and hands-on learning that will enrich the lives of visitors and foster the next generation of conservationists,” as per the Governor's Office.
The selected projects span across New York, with significant contributions, like $2.5 million to the Mott Haven Port Morris Community Land Trust for the construction of the HEArts Center in the South Bronx and, $1.9 million for the Lower East Side Ecology Center to build an Environmental Education Center in East River Park. Other funded projects include the ReGeneration Capital Project by Kites Nest, Inc. and the development of the net-zero facility by the Schoharie River Center. Each recipient represents a nexus where community revitalization, education, and sustainability converge.
Moreover, this strategic allocation of funds aligns with Governor Hochul's "Get Offline, Get Outside" initiative, which seeks to encourage residents, especially youth, to step away from digital screens and partake in recreation and outdoor social activities, the Governor's Office stated.
