Ten Monroe County municipalities will share $101,800 in grants for nine projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving climate resilience.
The Monroe County Community Climate Action Fund Pilot program was created to provide grants to municipalities in Monroe County looking to expand on initiatives that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Grant funds will supplement and complement resources identified for existing and planned initiatives.
In 2022, the Monroe County complete Phase I of the Climate Action Plan that included identifying goals, strategies and initiatives that will reduce emissions from county-owned sites, facilities, and operations. In 2024, Phase II concluded with the aim of reducing emissions from residential,
commercial, and other energy-dependent activities within Monroe County.
Where Monroe County's $101,800 in climate grants will go
The county made up to $200,000 available for the pilot program. Individual municipalities were eligible for matching grants of up to $10,000, while municipalities submitting joint applications could qualify for larger awards.
Program funds can cover up to 50% of eligible costs and municipalities must provide the remaining 50% or more in matching funds for individual and joint applications.
Towns that will receive a grant for their initiatives include:
Brighton
- Proposal: Expanding and Strengthening the Urban Forest,
- Brighton plans to increase tree cover through the expansion of the community Tree Nursery and the associated Tree Ambassador program.
- Award: $6,500
- Project cost: $13,000
Chili
- Proposal: Parks Maintenance Equipment Electrification Pilot
- This project will transition parks maintenance operations from fossil-fuel-powered equipment to electric equipment to reduce carbon emissions and lessen auditory impacts.
- Award: $5,300
- Project cost: $10,600
Gates
- Proposal: Stormwater Run-off Initiative Study
- This initiative is a comprehensive Stormwater and Flood Resilience Study to address recurring flooding issues affecting residential neighborhoods, transportation infrastructure, and community assets.
- Award: $10,000
- Project cost: $20,000
Greece, in connection with Rochester
- Proposal: NYS Route 390 Multi-Use Trail Connection to the Empire State Trail: Feasibility Study
- The town plans to conduct a feasibility/planning study to extend the NYS Route 390 Multi-Use Trail from its current southern terminus at the intersection of Ridgeway Avenue and Latona Road to the Erie Canal and the Empire State Trail in the City of Rochester.
- Award: $30,000
- Project cost: $60,000 (counting local matching)
Irondequoit
- Proposal: McAvoy EV Charger Installation
- The town plans to install a new EV car charger at McAvoy Park, a town-owned athletic complex.
- Award: $10,000
- Project cost: $22,500
Penfield
- Proposal: Clark House Charger
- The town will install a dual-port charging station at 1960 Clark Road (the Clark House) with one standard parking spot and one ADA-compliant spot.
- Award: $10,000
- Project cost: $30,000
Perinton
- Proposal: Garnsey Arboretum Grassland Conversion & LowMow Habitat Trail Project
- This initiative will convert approximately 7–8 acres of maintained turf at the Garnsey Arboretum into a lowmow native grassland with defined birdwatching trails.
- Award: $10,000
- Project cost: $32,000
Pittsford
- Proposal: Pollinator Garden and Plant Native Trees
- This initiative will plant native trees and establish another pollinator garden to address the loss of trees and provide valuable habitat and support for birds, bees, and other wildlife.
- Award: $10,000
- Project cost: $20,000
Hilton
- Proposal: Hilton Community Center Energy Envelope Upgrade
- The village will replace historic windows at the Hilton Community Center, 59 Henry St., to improve energy efficiency while maintaining historic preservation standards.
- Award: $10,000
- Project cost: $25,000
- Funds will be provided through reimbursements by the County upon the submittal of a satisfactory progress report and proof of spending towards eligible activities.
— Genae Shields is the Business and Development Impact Reporter, working on mobility stories that focus on how people get around Rochester. As a member of the local community, Genae enjoys learning about emerging businesses and changes that impact Rochester's BIPOC and LGBTQ neighborhoods. She also enjoys supporting local artists and nonprofit organizations. Reach out at gshields@usatodayco.com or on Instagram:@genaebriphoto for questions, comments, or concerns. Thank you for your continued support!
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Monroe County awards $101K for 9 climate projects
