Year: 2023

The Department of the Interior announced the distribution of $13,292,350?to the state of New York today as part of the $295,582,830 granted this year from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to all 50 states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. Recent changes to the LWCF Manual guides states to work more closely with Tribes and clarify eligibility to ensure all federally recognized Tribes can take part in and support future public outdoor recreation and conservation projects. The funds from this year’s distribution will be available until fiscal year 2025.?

USDA Accepts Nearly 2.7 Million Acres In Grassland CRP Signup

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting offers for nearly 2.7 million acres from agricultural producers and private landowners through this year’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grassland signup. This program allows producers and landowners to continue grazing and haying practices while protecting grasslands and further CRP conservation efforts. Grassland CRP is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s broader effort to address climate change and conserve natural resources. This year’s signup results include 689 acres in New York.

Burlingham Retires From Fulton PD

After 20 years of service to the Fulton Police Department and community, Lt. Charles Burlingham has retired, it was announced by Chief Mike Curtis.

Gillibrand Introduces Landmark Bill To Ban Stock Trading And Ownership By Congress, Executive Branch Officials And Their Families

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced the bipartisan Ban Stock Trading for Government Officials Act. The legislation would create stringent stock trading bans and disclosure requirements for Congress, senior executive branch officials, and their spouses and dependents. The bill bans stock trading, stock ownership, and blind trusts; imposes heavy penalties for executive branch stock trading; requires reporting of federal benefits; creates additional transparency in financial disclosure reports; and increases transaction report penalties under the original STOCK Act.

NYS OASES Announces Opening Of First Mobile Medication Unit In New York State

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS) today announced the opening of the first Mobile Medication Unit (MMU) in New York State. Operated by VIP Community Services, this new mobile unit will provide a wide range of addiction services and other medical care in the New York City area. This program is being supported with $550,000 in federal funding under the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Supplemental Grant, administered by OASAS.

Alfred “Sonny” Allen

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Alfred “Sonny” Allen, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who departed this world at the age of 88 on July 18, 2023.

Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $27 Million In Federal Funding For New York Airports

Today, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $27,348,437 in federal funding for 13 airports across New York State. This federal funding was administered through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and will be used to revitalize airports and enhance airfield safety at airports in Western New York, the Southern Tier, the North Country, the Hudson Valley, the Finger Lakes, the Mohawk Valley, and the Capital Region.

NYS Private Sector Employment Up 15,000 Jobs In June 2023

According to preliminary seasonally adjusted figures released today by the New York State Department of Labor, the number of private sector jobs in New York State increased over the month by 15,000, or 0.2%, to 8,260,000 in June 2023. The number of private sector jobs in the U.S. increased by 0.1% in June 2023.

Governor Hochul Announces Completion Of Largest Rooftop Solar Project In New York State

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of the largest rooftop solar project in New York State. Located in Orange County atop a distribution center owned by Medline Industries, the nation’s largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of medical products, the 7.2-megawatt community solar project is helping to reduce energy costs for both the company and residents in the Mid-Hudson region. Today’s announcement supports New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to install six gigawatts of distributed solar by 2025 and accelerates progress toward ten gigawatts by 2030.

Governor Hochul Announces $29 Million For Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure And Rebates

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $29 million for electric vehicle Level 2 charging infrastructure under Charge Ready NY 2.0 and consumer rebates through the Drive Clean Rebate Program. The incentive and rebate programs mean more New Yorkers can drive electric as New York State reached a milestone of 150,000 EVs on the road in June 2023.