Three Finger Lakes communities will see new climate-focused projects move forward with fresh state funding.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation announced Climate Smart Communities grants for projects in Geneva, the Village of Lansing, and Ontario County as part of a $22.7 million statewide award package.
Geneva studies Castle Creek options
The City of Geneva received $60,000 to study the future of Castle Creek between Main Street and Bicentennial Park.
The funding supports an engineering feasibility study that will evaluate daylighting the creek and compare it to upgrading existing underground culverts. The study will examine climate change impacts, costs, and long-term resilience, with an emphasis on nature-based solutions where possible.
City officials plan to use the results to guide future infrastructure decisions tied to flood resilience and environmental health.
Lansing connects neighborhoods on foot
The Village of Lansing secured $572,139 for a major sidewalk connectivity project along Uptown and Craft roads.
The project will build about 3,335 linear feet of new sidewalks, linking apartment complexes, bus stops, municipal parks, trails, shopping areas, and medical facilities. State officials said filling these gaps creates a safer, more complete pedestrian network and helps reduce vehicle travel and related emissions.
Ontario County plans for life after the landfill
Ontario County was awarded $60,000 to develop an organics management plan as it prepares to close its county landfill by the end of 2028.
The plan will assess organic waste volumes, existing programs, infrastructure gaps, and opportunities to divert food waste and other organics. County officials said the effort aims to reduce emissions while cutting down on the amount of waste that will need disposal once the landfill closes.
Part of a bigger push
DEC said the grants help municipalities reduce pollution, address flooding, and prepare for more extreme weather. Funding comes from the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act and the state Environmental Protection Fund.
Since 2016, the Climate Smart Communities grant program has awarded more than $109 million statewide to support local climate action.
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