Referred to: The Energy, Environment and Sustainability Committee (Chairwoman Greene and Legislators Hansut, Erner, Maloney, and Stewart), and The Ways and Means Committee (Chairman Gavaris and Legislators Cahill, Fabiano, Ronk, and Walter)

Chairwoman of the Energy, Environment and Sustainability Committee, Manna Jo Greene, and Deputy Chair Gina Hansut offer the following:

WHEREAS, this resolution has been submitted at the request of the County Executive on behalf of the Department of the Environment; and

WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) released a request for proposals to solicit projects for Climate Smart Communities grant funding through the 2021 Regional Economic Development Council Awards; and

WHEREAS, the Ulster County Department of the Environment responded to the request for proposals with a project to embark on a community-scale climate action planning project; and

WHEREAS, Ulster County was awarded $74,000.00 in grant funding from NYSDEC, with the match by Ulster County being comprised of staff time of County personnel associated with the grant scope of work; and

WHEREAS, this project will develop a strategy, goals, and a plan outlining a set of initiatives that will reduce community greenhouse gas GHG emissions and simultaneously support local Ulster County municipalities in undertaking similar efforts; and

WHEREAS, this project supports Ulster County Green New Deal goals and is alignment with the NYS Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act); and

WHEREAS, Ulster County, with subsequent legislative approval as appropriate, will enter into sub-recipient contracts to fulfill the grant agreement; and now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Chair of the Ulster County Legislature is hereby authorized to execute the agreement, and any amendments thereto, with NYSDEC for the purpose of accepting a grant in the amount of $74,000.00 from the Climate Smart Communities Program; and, be it further

RESOLVED, following execution of the State Assistance Contract, the Director of the Department of the Environment is hereby authorized to submit all necessary grant related documentation and otherwise act for the County regarding this grant funding; and, be it further

RESOLVED, that the 2022 Ulster County Budget is hereby amended as follows:

                                       INCREASE                                           AMOUNT

AA.8090.4300.4505                  Professional Services                           $74,000.00

(App #)

AA.8090.3300.3910                  State Aid Conservation Programs      $74,000.00                   

(Rev #),

and move its adoption.

ADOPTED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

AYES:                    NOES:            

Passed Committee: Energy, Environment and Sustainability on ___________.

Passed Committee: Ways and Means on  ___________.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:

$74,000.00 – ADDITIONAL 2022 BUDGET APPROPRIAIONS

$74,000.00 – ADDITIONAL 2022 STATE REVENUE DOLLARS