New Rochelle Non-Profit Scores State Grant for Urban Coastal Climate Justice Center at Five Islands Park

ALBANY, NY (December 17, 2025) — The Energy Justice Law and Policy Center, a Non-Profit based in New Rochelle, has received $694,595 in state funding to construct a new environmental education center at Five Islands Park, marking the Sound Shore’s first urban coastal climate justice facility.

The grant, part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s announcement of more than $12.6 million for 11 projects statewide, will support environmental stewardship and climate resilience efforts in New Rochelle’s disadvantaged communities (DACs).

The center will offer hands-on education, marine exploration and workforce training.

“We remain committed to providing the resources necessary for improving the environmental, public health and economic challenges affecting disadvantaged communities across New York State,” Hochul said. “This new funding will directly support local efforts to create or expand environmental education centers that engage New Yorkers on local programs to improve quality of life, enhance air quality and help build a cleaner, greener future.”

The awards support new or improved education centers in environmental justice and disadvantaged communities facing the highest pollution and climate impacts.

The Community Environmental Education Center grant program is administered through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Office of Environmental Justice. This represents the largest single funding amount the office has awarded for any environmental justice grant opportunity.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Environmental education starts on the local level, and DEC is proud to advance Governor Kathy Hochul’s support for New York’s community-based organizations working to improve awareness of our natural world, the threats it faces, and how to take action that drives environmental justice. The over $12.6 million awarded through DEC’s Environmental Education Centers grant program will help promote exploration, discovery, and hands-on learning that will enrich the lives of visitors and foster the next generation of conservationists. We are excited to see what unique offerings these organizations will provide to New Yorkers.”

Five Islands Park features grassy areas, beaches, picnic spots, playgrounds and walking paths along the Long Island Sound. 2 “LARGE” 3 “LARGE” 4 “LARGE” 5 “LARGE” 6 “LARGE” 7 “LARGE” 8 “LARGE”

Funding comes from the State’s Environmental Protection Fund. The projects align with Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative promoting outdoor recreation.

More information on the Office of Environmental Justice and funding opportunities is available on the DEC’s website.

This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.