The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has awarded $22.7 million in Climate Smart Communities grants to municipalities across the state, including funding for projects in Geneva and Ontario County.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced the awards on Friday, saying 43 projects were selected to help communities reduce climate risks, cut emissions, and plan for a more resilient future.
Funded projects statewide include efforts to reduce flood risk by retrofitting or relocating critical infrastructure, improve walkability and cycling to lower transportation emissions, reduce emissions from food waste and landfills, and complete engineering studies to advance future climate initiatives.
Funding for the program comes from the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act and the state’s Environmental Protection Fund, which was increased to a record $425 million in the 2025–26 state budget. Since the Climate Smart Communities Grant Program began in 2016, DEC has awarded more than $109 million to municipalities for climate mitigation and adaptation projects.
Under the program, municipalities are generally required to provide a 50 percent local match. However, recent state budget changes allow DEC to cover up to 80 percent of project costs for communities that meet financial hardship criteria or are designated as disadvantaged communities.
Two local projects were among those selected:
The City of Geneva received $60,000 to complete a Daylighting Castle Creek Feasibility Study. The city will evaluate the potential to restore a section of Castle Creek between Main Street and Bicentennial Park by bringing it above ground. The study will examine climate change impacts on the creek and compare the cost, feasibility, and long-term resilience of daylighting the stream versus upgrading existing underground culverts, with an emphasis on nature-based solutions where possible.
Ontario County was also awarded $60,000 to develop an Organics Management Plan. The plan is intended to help the county prepare for the planned closure of the Ontario County landfill by the end of 2028. It will assess organic waste volumes, identify infrastructure gaps, review existing programs, and explore opportunities to increase waste diversion, reduce emissions, and limit the amount of material sent to landfills.
State officials say the grants are designed to help communities take meaningful action to address climate change while improving local infrastructure and environmental outcomes.
“DEC’s Climate Smart Communities grants support municipal investments to reduce pollution, protect the environment, and increase community resilience to climate impacts and severe weather,” Commissioner Lefton said. “Governor Kathy Hochul recognizes reducing harmful emissions and advancing climate equity is critical to improving New Yorkers’ health and quality of life, while also helping save money on energy costs. DEC is proud of our partnerships with local governments taking the lead on climate adaptation and resilience statewide.”
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