Broome County Groups Awarded State Environmental Sustainability Grants

The Binghamton Regional Sustainability Coalition and the VINES program are getting close to $198,000 to measure energy poverty and develop community gardens.

According to a news release from Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office, the Sustainability Coalition has been granted $97,017.94 to coordinate Binghamton Community Power: Promoting Environmental Protection, Fiscal Stability and Public Health in Environmental Justice Neighborhoods.  The project measures the rate of energy poverty, its impact on residents and the barriers to implementing energy conservation practices.

The Volunteers Improving Neighborhood Environments, or “VINES” program is getting $100,000 for the Community and Home Gardens program to build five new community gardens on vacant properties and 35 to 50 raised bed gardens at homes in Binghamton, Johnson city and the Town of Union.

The funds are included in Environmental Justice Community Impact Grants for 21 community-based projects across New York State.