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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced over $20 million in awards for two key programs that support clean water initiatives across the state: the Green Innovation Grant Program and Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grants. This funding provides critical support to communities working to affordably modernize water infrastructure, protect public health, and enhance resilience to extreme weather. The awards are announced during National Water Quality Month, commemorated every August to highlight the importance of clean water for healthy communities and thriving ecosystems.
“Every New Yorker deserves access to clean, safe water, and we’re making that happen by investing in smart, affordable infrastructure upgrades,” Governor Hochul said.“From planning to construction, we’re supporting communities every step of the way so families across the state can count on reliable water systems for years to come.”
The Environmental Facilities Corporation is awarding $17 million through the Green Innovation Grant Program to support 12 stormwater infrastructure and water efficiency projects. The program supports nature-based solutions that help mitigate flooding, reduce runoff, and improve water quality, while also promoting economic development.
EFC is also awarding over $3 million in Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grants to 59 communities. Planning grants jumpstart local efforts to advance fiscally sound and well-designed projects to construction by supporting completion of an approvable engineering report for the project.
Green Innovation Grant Program Award Highlights
Green-Wood Cemetery in New York City – $1.8 million to implement the second phase of a comprehensive stormwater resilience project aimed at reducing combined sewer overflows into the Gowanus Canal and Upper New York Bay.
City of Lockport in Niagara County (Western New York) – $1.4 million for Phase 2 of a streetscape improvement project that will incorporate green infrastructure to reduce combined sewer overflows and improve water quality in the NYS Barge Canal.
Village of Malone in Franklin County (North Country) – $3 million to install water meters as part of a comprehensive water system upgrade, ensuring compliance with state sanitary codes and meeting current demand.
New York City Department of Parks and Recreation – $1.3 million to provide final gap funding needed to get the nearly $10 million Bridge Park South Expansion underway, featuring green infrastructure and a renaturalized shoreline to help revitalize the South Bronx waterfront and link Harlem River parks.
Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grant Award Highlights
Town of Hague in Warren County (Capital Region) – $48,500 to evaluate the feasibility of extending the sanitary sewer service along the shore of Lake George to create a third sewer district. The report will study alternatives for potential sewer system extensions options and will recommend and prioritize improvements. The implementation of this project will help reduce nutrient loading to improve water quality in Lake George.
Village of Lake Placid in Essex County (North Country) – $50,000 to evaluate the condition of the sanitary sewers along the lower section of Main Street for water quality improvements in Chubb River. The study will include manhole inspections and televised video inspection to identify sources of inflow and infiltration. The report will recommend and prioritize improvements to the collection system.
Village of Medina in Orleans County(Finger Lakes) – $50,000 to evaluate the current condition of the wastewater treatment plant to replace aging equipment. The report will recommend and prioritize improvements, including resiliency and cyber security enhancements. Implementation of this project will provide further water quality protection measures for Oak Orchard Creek.
Village of Morrisville in Madison County(Central New York) – $50,000 to assess the feasibility of consolidating wastewater treatment plants in the Village and at SUNY Morrisville to protect water quality in the Chenango River. The study will assess the necessary pumping and conveyance infrastructure for consolidation, as well as needed equipment upgrades necessary to treat the increased flow and loads at the Village’s facility.
City of Oneonta in OtsegoCounty(Mohawk Valley) – $100,000 to investigate sources of inflow and infiltration in the City’s sanitary sewer system to protect water quality in the Susquehanna River.
Village of Ossining in Westchester County (Mid-Hudson) – $50,000 to identify sources of inflow and infiltration to the stormwater system. The report will identify sources of pollution entering the stormwater system and will feature a phased capital improvement plan and map to guide the implementation of recommendations. The implementation of this project will provide further water quality protection measures for the Hudson River.
Town of Tonawanda in Erie County (Western New York) – $100,000 to evaluate the sanitary sewers within three areas to protect Two Mile Creek and Ellicott Creek. The study will identify inflow and infiltration sources, analyze sewer hydraulic capacity, and exterior investigations.
Town of Urbana in Steuben County (Southern Tier) – $42,000 to evaluate the feasibility of connecting properties in the town currently served by septic systems to the Village of Hammondsport collection system. The project will protect water quality in Keuka Lake.
Full lists of awardees and project descriptions for each program are available on EFC’s website at www.efc.ny.gov.
Town of Keene Essex County Wilderness Rescue: On July 29 at 6:56 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about a 14-year-old from Camp Chingachgook who lost consciousness near the Elk Pass area of Nippletop Mountain. Forest Ranger Quinn spoke to a camp counselor on the phone and advised the counselor to move the teenager from Needham to the shade and aggressively cool off the subject with water. New York State Police (NYSP) Aviation was approved. NYSP Pilot Engel flew Rangers Lewis and O’Dell to a swamp near the campers. Rangers carried the 14-year-old through the swamp, which at some points was waist deep water and mud, to the helicopter. Pilot Engel flew the patient to an ambulance staged at Marcy Field. Ranger Quinn suggested the remaining campers spend the night and hike out in the morning because they were fatigued from a full day of hiking and did not have enough headlamps. The group later safely returned to camp. Resources were clear at 8:43 p.m.
Ranger Lewis carries hiker to helicopter
Town of Keene Essex County Wilderness Rescue: On July 29 at 7:51 p.m., Forest Rangers responded to the Leach Trail at Adirondack Mountain Reserve for a 19-year-old experiencing fatigue and cramping. Rangers reached the subject and assisted the hiker to their vehicle in the Reserve parking lot. The patient declined to seek further medical attention on their own. Resources were clear at 9:53 p.m.
Town of North Elba Essex County Wilderness Rescue: On Aug. 2 at 3:50 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a radio transmission from the Algonquin Summit Steward about a hiker suffering from dehydration and having difficulty walking. The 28-year-old from Owego was approximately 0.25 miles above the Wright-Algonquin intersection and did not have any food. The Summit Steward rehydrated the subject while Forest Rangers responded. At 5:17 p.m., Ranger H. Praczkajlo made contact with the hiker as they slowly made their way down. At 11:34 p.m., the subject began experiencing seizure activity at the Whale’s Tail Ski Trail junction. Five Rangers provided medical care and carried out the subject the last few hundred feet to a UTV. Rangers turned over the subject to Lake Placid EMS, who transported the patient to the hospital.
Town of Elizabethtown Essex County Wilderness Rescue: On Aug. 3 at 3 p.m., Essex County 911 requested Forest Ranger assistance with a hiker who had fallen into the first pool at Split Rock Falls. The 50-year-old from Peru, New York, suffered head and back injuries. Forest Rangers Bode, Lewis, and Quinn worked with New York State Police and the Keene and North Hudson Fire Departments to complete a high-angle rope rescue. At 5 p.m., rescuers turned over care of the hiker to Life Net, which flew the patient to the hospital.
Clinton Community College News Release – August 5, 2025 – PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — Assemblyman D. Billy Jones, whose strong community leadership and steady business advocacy have marked his nearly nine years in the New York legislature, has been named Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Workforce Development at Clinton Community College.
In his new role, Jones will provide leadership and oversight of workforce and community education programs at the college, including operations of the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and programs undertaken by the Center for Community and Workforce Development. He will spearhead the development of a new master plan for the IAM, creating the regional hub for workforce development and education it was designed to become, and lead conversations with businesses and employers.
“This is a tremendous moment for the college and its future,” said Ken Knelly, acting president of Clinton Community College. “No one is more connected with local organizations and businesses or more passionate about solutions and partnerships that make our region better. The state and the university system are more focused than ever on workforce development. He can help us take advantage of this moment and more solidly place us on the path to financial sustainability and greater service locally.”
After graduating high school, Jones ran his family’s dairy farm and worked as a correction officer with the New York State Department of Corrections. He served as mayor of Chateaugay and as an interim county manager and Franklin County legislator, becoming chairman in 2013. He was elected to the New York Assembly in 2016. As an assemblyman, Jones led in areas of economic and workforce development, forging connections with local and state agencies and delivering tens of millions of dollars of local investments to a wide range of community needs.
“I’ve dedicated my entire career to serving the North Country, and this new role allows me to continue that work in a very direct and meaningful way,” Jones said. “I’m truly excited to join the team at Clinton Community College and help lead the next chapter for the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and developing other workforce development initiatives. These programs play a vital role in creating opportunities, supporting local employers, and strengthening our communities. I’m honored to take on this position and look forward to building strong partnerships that will drive real results across the region. I want to thank Acting President Knelly and the board of trustees for this amazing opportunity.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced that hunting and trapping licenses and Deer Management Permits (DMPs) for the 2025-26 season are now on sale.
“With an estimated half a million New Yorkers looking to take part in the long-standing traditions of hunting and trapping this fall, excitement is building and preparation for the upcoming seasons already underway,” Commissioner Lefton said. “Hunter education classes and licenses are now available to help hunters get outdoors and connect to nature. While hunters are planning ahead, I encourage experienced hunters to consider mentoring a new or less experienced hunter this year to help foster the next generation of New York’s sporting community.”
Licenses and permits can be purchased online, at any of DEC’s license-issuing agents, or by telephone at 866-933-2257. Hunting and trapping licenses are valid from Sept. 1 through Aug. 31 each year, while annual fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from date of purchase.
Beginning this week through Nov. 30, the DEC Call Center is operating from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays; and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16 and Sunday, Dec. 7. Regular call center weekday hours resume on Dec. 1.
Hunters should have the following ready when buying a license:
Complete contact information (e.g., name, address, email address, telephone number). For those who want their license and/or tags emailed, a valid email address is required;
DEC customer ID number (if applicable);
Proof of residency (e.g., driver’s license or non-driver’s ID with a valid New York State address);
If purchasing by phone or internet, a valid credit card; and
If not already entered in DEC’s automated licensing system, you must provide proof of hunter or trapper education certification or a copy of a previous license for all hunting and trapping license purchases.
New York’s habitat serves a vital role in maintaining healthy and sustainable fish and wildlife resources. Purchasing a hunting, fishing, or trapping license helps support DEC’s conservation projects and ensures the future of natural resources for generations to come.
The 35th annual Run For Jon will be held Saturday, August 23rd, 5 PM at Forrence Orchards on Mannix Road in Peru. It attracts hundreds of walkers, kids fun runners and runners every year, in addition to their friends and family who attend as spectators. There are numerous door prizes for participants, donated by our generous donors.
Last year, in 2024, an outstanding field of runners, walkers, baby joggers and 3 person teams once again participated to raise money for the Jonathan Evans Memorial Fund, the proceeds of which benefit local families who have children with serious medical needs. It began in 1991 to help the family of Jonathan Evans of Peru, NY with the financial demands of his cancer treatment.
The course runs through 2.5 miles of beautiful rolling Forrence Orchards in Peru, NY. The walk portion of the event is roughly 1 mile and there is a short, 1/2 mile fun run for kids. The event attracts approximately 300 participants each year and raises over $6,000.
Direct donations and sponsorships are gladly accepted. We try to cover all operating expenses before race day, so that all entry fees will go directly into the Fund. There are five levels of sponsorship: MacIntosh ($1000+), Gala ($750-999), Empire ($500-749), Cortland ($250-499), and Honeycrisp (100-249).
The Run For Jon, Inc. is dedicated to supporting families in the New York counties of Clinton, Essex, and Franklin who have children under 18 in need of serious medical care. Our grassroots initiative focuses on assisting with non-medical expenses such as transportation and lodging, ensuring that families can focus on their child’s health and well-being.
Run For Jon Inc is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, EIN 45-2905801. All donations are deemed tax-deductible absent any limitations on deductibility applicable to a particular taxpayer.
Organizers are also seeking items and/or gift certificates to be donated for our fan favorite prize give-a-way that is held prior to the award ceremony.
August 1, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul announced the first Empire AI supercomputer projects from the University at Albany. Stemming from a partnership between UAlbany’s world-renowned RNA Institute and their partners at the University of Rochester, the newest member of the Governor’s Empire AI Consortium, researchers will now have access to New York State’s Empire AI supercomputer housed at the University at Buffalo.
“Empire AI is an incredible tool that allows us to harness the power of technology and innovation to change lives for the better,” Governor Hochul said. “By bringing together researchers from UAlbany and the University of Rochester and the power of Empire AI, we are paving the way to unlocking treatments for devastating diseases. This is not just research, it’s proof that New York is building a brighter and healthier future for everyone.”
The UAlbany work is the latest in a series of research projects that are up and running at the first “Alpha” phase of the Empire AI computing center. UAlbany researchers will work with UR colleagues to use computer vision and AI to analyze the recorded movements of patients with neuromuscular diseases like myotonic dystrophy (DM), the most common form of adult-onset muscular dystrophy. Researchers hope to use the Empire AI system to develop innovative treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like DM, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and spinocerebellar ataxias.
The work will be funded by approximately $230,000 in matching grants from the Muscular Dystrophy Association to UAlbany and UR, along with more than $2 million from the National Institutes of Health and U.S. Department of Defense.
Empire AI is now backed by more than $500 million in public and private funding and is made up of 10 member universities and research institutions. Governor Hochul secured funding in May to expand access for SUNY researchers at UAlbany, Binghamton University, the University at Buffalo (which houses Empire AI), and Stony Brook University, and support the addition of new members including the University of Rochester, the Rochester Institute of Technology, and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. They join the seven founding members of Empire AI, SUNY, CUNY, Columbia University, Cornell University, NYU, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and the Flatiron Institute. Empire AI is the Governor’s nation-leading initiative to advance AI research for the public good, led by an independent consortium of members and Empire State Development.
Eligible Farmers May Now Apply for Reimbursement for Overtime Paid Since January 1, 2025
Friday, August 1, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that eligible farm employers may now apply for the Farm Employer Overtime Credit Advance program and receive reimbursement for eligible overtime paid to employees since January 1, 2025. Now in its second year, the Farm Employer Overtime Credit Advance program is a part of Governor Hochul’s plan to support New York’s farmers through a series of new and increased tax credits and other initiatives and helps to ensure that farm employers can continue to support their workers while reducing their tax burden.
“Our farmers and farm workers are the backbone of New York, and I’m doing everything in my power to ensure that they can thrive in their essential work of bringing fresh, local products to communities across New York,” Governor Hochul said. “The Farm Employer Overtime Credit Advance is a big part of that, reducing the tax burden for our farm businesses while helping them to continue supporting their hardworking staff, caring for animals and harvesting perishable products. I encourage all eligible farmers to learn more about this program and submit their applications now for a certificate of advance payment.”
The Farm Employer Overtime Credit is a refundable tax credit available for farm employers who pay overtime wages, based on the phase-in of an overtime threshold in New York State. Beginning today, farm employers may submit an application to the Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) for a certificate of advance payment of eligible overtime paid between January 1 and July 31, 2025 so they can receive reimbursement from the Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF).
Farms that used a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) in 2024 may also apply for certification for eligible overtime paid between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024. Applications must be submitted to AGM by September 30. After eligibility review, AGM will issue a certificate of payment to each approved farm employer. With a certificate of advance payment, the approved farmer or business owners (for example, partners or shareholders) can then request their share of the payment from the Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF). This request must be made no later than November 1, using the online services account at DTF’s website.
Farmers can apply for this refundable credit if they or their business:
AGM hosted a special webinar in July to help eligible farmers prepare for the launch of the program. A recording of the webinar is available on AGM’s YouTube page.
New York State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Farm labor is a critical issue, and we are working hard to ensure that farmers have the resources they need to support their workforce while meeting their food production goals. Last year, the Overtime Tax Credit initiative had a great start, and we are looking forward to continuing to grow the program and make sure that our farmers and farm workers have the support they need.”
Wilmington, NY – Ausable Freshwater Center (AFC) is providing streamside property assessments as part of the Stream Wise initiative in partnership with the Lake Champlain Basin Program. Stream Wise is a nonprofit program that provides resources for landowners adjacent to streams and rivers in Vermont, New York, and Quebec. This marks the fourth year that AFC is the local host organization for landowners in the Ausable and Boquet River watersheds and will be the primary contact and resource for all things Stream Wise.
Healthy streams are not only beautiful, they are home to diverse fish and wildlife, provide vital drinking water, and create recreation and relaxation opportunities. Historically, streams and rivers have often been impacted by various land uses that disturb the native vegetation along their shores, put water quality at risk, and can increase flood potential. AFC’s Stream Wise assessments provide landowners the tools they need to better understand their stream buffer and to take steps to improve and protect it with confidence.
“We love working with streamside landowners to protect their yards, their streams, and the places they care about most,” said Carrianne Pershyn, AFC Biodiversity Research Manager. “Stream Wise is a great way to learn about your property in a new way, and how small changes can make a big difference for your stream and your community.”
If you own land that abuts a stream or river in the Ausable or Boquet River watersheds, email marque@ausablecenter.org for more information or to sign up for a free property assessment from AFC’s Stream Wise team.
The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that State Route 73 in towns of Keene and North Elba, Essex County, will be reduced to one lane of alternating travel controlled by flaggers between Gilmore Hill Road and Lower Cascade Lake (in Keene), and between Bobsled Run Lane and Recycle Circle Lane (in North Elba), from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, beginning Monday, Aug. 11, through approximately Friday, Sept 5, to accommodate a pavement re-surfacing project.
Motorists should anticipate travel delays and build extra travel time into their schedule. Construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change based on conditions.
For more information on the New York State Department of Transportation, follow them onFacebook, X or Instagram, or visit their website. For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.
WHAT: The final round of the East Coast Watercross Triple Crown is making waves on the Adirondack Coast! From August 1–3, 2025, Plattsburgh City Beach will host over 100 top jet ski racers from across the U.S. and Canada as they battle it out on a challenging 30-buoy course for championship glory and a $25,000 prize pot. Expect adrenaline-pumping race action, a freestyle demo show, beach vibes—and plenty of photo ops.
WHEN:
Friday, August 1 – Practice Day | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Saturday, August 2 – Race Day | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, August 3 – Race Day | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Bonus: Grab lunch from the Adirondack Food Therapy food truck on Sunday!
WHERE: Plattsburgh City Beach
4 Beach Road, Plattsburgh, NY
DETAILS:
Free for spectators (regular beach parking rates apply)
Limited-edition event merch available on-site
WHY: This is the final stop of the Triple Crown Series—after earlier rounds in Alabama and Michigan, it all comes down to this! Whether you’re a motorsports junkie or just looking for a high-energy summer event, this is your chance to catch the action up close on the shores of Lake Champlain.
Telegraph Road Culvert: Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that NYSEG is conducting a study on accommodating the massive crane needed to install the road’s new culvert. Farrell did not know how long NYNEG would take, but said that it’s less and less likely that the project will begin this year. The town was planning to advertise for bids on August 15.
Highway Paving: Farrell also stated that he still has $198,000 in highway paving funds. However, as of Monday, he hadn’t decided which roads he would pave. Farrell said Noel J. Burnell’s highly automated paver uses much less asphalt than the town’s broken-down paver.
Hit & Run: A motorist left the scene of the accident after striking a highway vehicle’s mirror. Fortunately, witnesses saw it happen, resulting in the State Police apprehending the motorist.
Pilot Study Underway: Water-Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetreault reported that contractors are beginning a pilot filtration study at the Reservoir Road water filtration plant. They will attempt to find the best filters for Peru’s water conditions.
Vandalism at Heyworth-Mason Park: Vandals damaged the portable potties at Heyworth Mason Park. The town notified the NYS State Police and requests that park users keep an eye out for suspicious activity in the area.
History Chat and Cemetery Tour on Town Historian’s Agenda: Town Historian Helen Nerska reported that she will conduct a History Chat on August 4 with several members of Peru High School classes of 1957 and 1958. Plattsburgh Air Force Base opened during their high school years, resulting in class sizes doubling. Nerska thinks there will be an interesting discussion.
On August 16 at 10 a.m., the historian’s office will conduct a tour of the cemetery behind TD Bank and God’s Acre Cemetery on Locust Drive.
The board also:
Authorized applying for a Lake George Regional Planning Board/NYS Smart Growth Program grant to assist in funding an update to the town’s almost 20-year-old Comprehensive Plan. Supervisor Randall said he wants to appoint a committee if the grant is received.
Approved a shared services agreement with the Town of Jay.
Named NBT Bank as an alternative depository agency. Supervisor Randall said NBT specializes in municipal financing. He plans to utilize NBT for short-term funding of the wastewater treatment plant project. The town’s bond agent will arrange long-term financing near the project’s completion.
Effluent sent straight to the town treatment plant overwhelming the facility and compromising water quality in nearby Stevens Brook, a tributary of Lake Champlain.
Clinton Community College News Release – August 5, 2025 – PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — Assemblyman D. Billy Jones, whose strong community leadership and steady business advocacy have marked his nearly nine years in the New York legislature, has been named Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Workforce Development at Clinton Community College.
Eligible Farmers May Now Apply for Reimbursement for Overtime Paid Since January 1, 2025
