Harckham Announces $2.1 Million in Grants for Local Municipal Electrification Projects

Ossining, NY - New York State Senator Pete Harckham announced today that $2.1 million in grant funding is available to local municipalities for electrification projects; the announcement came at a press conference held at the EV charging station here in Louis Engel Waterfront Park. Each municipality in the 40th Senate District is eligible for up to $100,000 in grants, which are part of the State Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology Program (CREST) funding. 

Joining Harckham was a bipartisan group of more than a dozen local municipal leaders who spoke about how they plan to use the grant funding for projects that transition away from fossil fuels and promote a clean energy future.

“There are many compelling reasons to support the electrification of our local economies, including the severe effects of climate change we are now experiencing, public health problems related to air pollution and the simple fact that fossil fuel combustion is not a cost-effective way to heat and cool our buildings and power our vehicles,” said Harckham. “In order to meet the carbon-free, reduced greenhouse gas emissions goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, we need to partner with our municipalities right now to help them participate in this energy transition, and that’s what this grant funding will do.”

To see a video of the press conference, click here.

Harckham said that as chair of Senate’s Environmental Conservation Committee, he would prioritize municipal grant applications that support projects such as:

New York State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) requires New York to achieve a carbon-free electricity system by 2040 and has set a goal of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 40% from 1990 levels by 2030, and 85% by 2050. 

Town of Ossining Supervisor Liz Feldman said, “We are thankful that Senator Pete Harckham has taken the initiative to significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions in our district. This opportunity to replace our gas- and diesel-powered lawn and grounds maintenance equipment will not only make a difference in the emissions coming from our community, but will also increase the quality of life for our residents through quieter maintenance of our parks and grounds.”

Village of Ossining Mayor Rika Levin said, “The Village of Ossining extends heartfelt thanks to Senator Harckham. This infusion of funding to support electrification projects in Senate District 40 will further enable Ossining and its fellow communities to have significant, collective impact towards New York State’s goal of transitioning to a zero-emissions electricity grid by 2040.

Town of Bedford Supervisor Ellen Calves said, “In the Town of Bedford we are eager to decarbonize our vehicles and buildings, and we will apply for CREST funding to purchase a new vehicle for the police department and to undertake work that will enable decarbonization of our Town House. We appreciate that by providing this opportunity, Senator Harckham understands both the challenges of municipal budgets and the urgent need to address the climate crisis.”

Village of Croton-on-Hudson Trustee Len Simon said, “Croton-on-Hudson was recently named the number one Climate Energy Community in New York State. Thanks to Senator Pete Harckham and the CREST funding announced today, Croton’s momentum in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing our sustainability can be accelerated. We’ll look forward to dedicating these CREST resources to acquisition of new electric vehicles to continue the growth of our EV fleet for the benefit of all of Croton’s residents.”

Town of Kent Supervisor Jaime McGlasson, “It’s important that we do all we can to step up and fight the climate crisis. The grants for electrification projects will help us move from fossil fuels to clean energy sources at a local level, which is a good way to get residents more involved and thinking about a sustainable future for the environment.”

Town of Carmel Supervisor Michael Cazzari said, “I would like to thank Senator Harckham for this funding opportunity, as we plan to continue our efforts toward sustainability by purchasing two electric vehicles, adding to solar panels on the roof of Town Hall and installing four new charging stations throughout the town.”

Village of Brewster Mayor James Schoenig said, “The Village of Brewster, its residents, and business owners look forward to utilizing the CREST electrification grant to enhance our grid resiliency and fund future EV enhancements as we progress with our revitalization. We are happy to be part of this funding to help improve the quality of life within the Village and to help promote a clean energy future.”

Town of Yorktown Supervisor Tom Diana said, “It’s wonderful to be able to obtain a grant that is going to help our environment now and moving into the future for our children and grandchildren.”

Town of North Salem Supervisor Warren Lucas said, “We are very excited about the CREST program, and this announcement is perfect timing for North Salem, as we are installing EV chargers this Fall at our Town Hall and Library site and at our Croton Falls commuter and business parking lot.  Additionally, we are also planning for a geothermal heating system in our Community Center. Thank you, Senator Harckham, for your continuing support in this area.”

Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne said, “This investment in cleaner, electric infrastructure is a great step forward in our efforts to enhance our residents’ quality of life and lay the foundation for a more resilient Putnam County. I thank Senator Harckham and his staff for their hard work in securing these funds, and look forward to seeing what exciting projects come of this.”

Mount Kisco Mayor Gina Picinich said, “We all know we must do our part, and by doing so we demonstrate for others that they need to do their part as well. Mount Kisco is a Bronze-certified Climate Smart Community that has taken tremendous action to reduce our carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions, and we have been seeking grants to put in charging stations across the village. Right now, we’re already wired for 20 dual port charging stations. Thjs money will go directly into buying as many as we can so we can move that effort forward.”

Pete Harckham represents the 40th Senate District, which includes the towns of Carmel, Kent, Patterson and Southeast, and the village of Brewster in Putnam County; the town of Stony Point in Rockland County; and the city of Peekskill, the towns of Bedford, Cortlandt, Lewisboro, New Castle, North Salem, Somers and Yorktown, the towns/villages of Mount Kisco and Ossining, and the villages of Briarcliff Manor, Buchanan and Croton-on-Hudson in Westchester County.