Should Webster Take the Pledge?
Pros and Cons Climate Smart Community Pledge Pros:
Cons:
Increased Grant availability and better Politically Polarizing terminology scoring on existing programs Acknowledging Initiatives the Town is already prioritizing Implementing technical design practices which benefit the residents Registering (making the pledge) does not create workload for staff
“Registering” vs “Certifying” Registering: Town Board resolution Improved grant scoring No additional stress to workforce Certifying: Not required of the program Tracking and scoring of efforts May open additional Grant opportunities
Currently in New York State Registered Communities: 378 No Certification Bronze Certified Silver Certified
260 (69%) 108 (29%) 10 (2%)
Grants! State Grant Programs – when evaluating application for funding, communities who have taken the Pledge get scored higher. • Consolidated Funding Application • Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) • Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA) Smart Growth Community Grants • 50/50 matching grant – Grants available from $50k-$200k • Eligible Projects: Food composting, Flood resiliency (landscape and structures), Improved emergency preparedness, Land Use Planning
Grants! Sewer Department: WRRF Ph. II Highway Department: New Facility Community Development:
Comprehensive Plan and subsequent projects Streetscape Improvements to West Webster Hamlet Town-wide and/or Lighting Districts: Upgrade to LED Fixtures Bike Lanes / Pedestrian Walkways additions and improvements
Engineering Department: Town Hall HVAC Improvements Stormwater Management Improvements (Green Infrastructure & Flood protection)
Parks and Recreation: Maintain and Improve trails, greenways, and park systems
What Does the Pledge Say? 1) Build a climate-smart community. Transition to LED lighting, manage and treat stormwater, prioritize flood resiliency
2) Inventory emissions, set goals, and plan for climate action. Green House Gas Emission Reduction thru diversion of biosolids to landfills, high efficiency blowers, reuse of biogas for heating
3) Decrease energy use.
High efficiency Highway Facility (boilers, radiant heating, insulation), occupancy sensors, utilization of VFD’s on equipment, providing and promoting bike and pedestrian travel
4) Shift to clean, renewable energy.
Biogas for heating, zoning code updates related green energy land use
5) Use climate-smart materials management. Leaf mulching, tree composting, biosolids conversion to fertilizer
What Does the Pledge Say? 6) Implement climate-smart land use. Trails, greenways, and bike lanes, sidewalk installation, public transit stops with amenities, update the 1998 Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP).
7) Enhance community resilience to climate change.
2023 update to the Hazard Mitigation Plan, Finn Park ponds, stormwater projects, diversion of biosolids from landfills, upgraded anaerobic digestion complex
8) Support a green innovation economy.
Creation of fertilizers from biosolids, brownfield cleanups, support local farmers markets
9) Inform and inspire the public.
Increase awareness of recycling events, hazardous waste drop-off’s, food composting opportunities, tours of our Highway Facility and Water Resource Recovery Facility
10)Engage in an evolving process of climate action.
tracking goals and energy reduction at the WRRF Ph.II project, coordination between departments to strategize implementation of Climate Smart Goals
The program is entirely voluntary and is intended to provide technical support to communities.
Important Take-aways
There are no compliance obligations or regulations governing the program. The NYSDEC does not pressure communities to pursue certification. Registration does not require future certification or follow-up.
Why Take the Pledge Now? • The Town has numerous ambitious, needed, and expensive improvement projects planned over the next 5 years. • 2023 Grant Programs – Application Portals Open Soon! • Tomorrow, 4/28, the Request for Qualifications re: “Grant Support” are due. • The Town expects to begin engaging with 1 (or more) consultants in May to being supporting Town projects and grant efforts.
Plan for the Future!
Benefits:
Higher Grant Scoring = Increased likelihood of success in securing funding Support of Town Initiatives already in motion Maximizes the Town’s ability to benefit from “green” planning and design