NEW ROCHELLE, NY (March 8, 2025) — The City of New Rochelle has been awarded a record-breaking five grants from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), including the highest number of Climate Smart Communities grants given to any single applicant in the 2024 funding round. The grants, totaling over $1.3 million, will fund initiatives aimed at reducing waste, boosting fleet efficiency, enhancing climate resilience, and improving water quality.
New Rochelle secured four Climate Smart Communities grants, amounting to $580,000, made possible through the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022. These funds will support projects such as expanding food scrap recycling, conducting a fleet inventory to transition to zero-emission vehicles, and developing climate adaptation and organics management plans. Additionally, the city received a $607,912 Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) grant for the Glenwood Dam Improvement Project, which aims to fortify the dam against climate-driven heavy rainfall and enhance water quality in the area.
In a complementary effort, New Rochelle will also benefit from a $115,000 Climate Smart Communities grant awarded to Westchester County. This funding will support a collaborative climate action plan involving New Rochelle and eight other municipalities, led by the Hudson Valley Regional Council and Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI).
“As climate-related disasters become more frequent and intense, New Rochelle is proud to be leading the way on critical sustainability initiatives,” said City Manager Wilfredo Melendez. “These grants will benefit our community and the environment alike. Thank you to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for supporting these crucial measures.”
City Council Member Sara Kaye echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the urgency of proactive climate measures. “In New Rochelle, we know that we must take action today to prepare for the climate-related disasters of tomorrow,” Kaye said. “These grants will go a long way toward ensuring a safer and healthier future for our community.”
Grant Breakdown
- Reducing Food Waste ($300,000): Expansion of a pilot food scrap recycling program, including new infrastructure at drop-off sites and public outreach to boost participation.
- Fleet Inventory & Efficiency Policy ($100,000): A comprehensive assessment of the city’s vehicle fleet to facilitate a shift to zero-emission options.
- Climate Adaptation Plan ($100,000): Development of a plan to address climate hazards, building on a prior vulnerability assessment.
- Organics Management Plan ($80,000): Creation of a strategy to enhance organics diversion as part of a broader solid waste management plan.
- Glenwood Dam Improvement ($607,912): Upgrades to the dam’s spillway, repairs to eroded masonry, and installation of water quality structures to mitigate runoff.
- Climate Action Plan (Westchester County, $115,000): A hyper-local climate action plan for New Rochelle and eight other municipalities to reduce emissions and increase sustainability.
The Glenwood Dam project, in particular, addresses the growing threat of extreme weather, reinforcing infrastructure while improving the ecological health of the surrounding lake. Meanwhile, the food waste and fleet efficiency initiatives reflect New Rochelle’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
With these awards, New Rochelle emerges as a leader in New York’s push for sustainability, leveraging state support to tackle pressing environmental challenges head-on.
