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In this month’s edition of the G/FL Economic Recovery Series, we are featuring upcoming grant opportunities, GFLRPC Regional Summit information, and upcoming webinars.
Make sure to complete and share the NYS Broadband Assessment Survey
Please continue promoting your community members to participate by filling out this brief survey.

This online survey is an interactive tool which community members can access in a host of manners ranging from computers, tablets, cell phones, and, if applicable due to lack of broadband, hard copy. 

The survey documents issues with respect to availability, as well as adoption, and enables communities to better understand broadband issues from the resident's perspective. Is broadband available? Do they use it? If not, why? In general, is broadband in the community effective at meeting the needs of the community? 

For those with internet access, the survey will allow them to submit the results of internet speed tests to further document the actual availability of service (and not just the claims of availability made by service providers.) This interactive methodology generates statistically valid information which is also overlaid into the GIS program for accuracy.
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act information and support
With all of the federal funding discussion and information over the last year, we wanted to provide an update and give you current information on the twenty-five (25) "Competitive Infrastructure" programs that are included in the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act legislation. Attached is a summary provided by the White House on the program with contact information for each of the federal agencies.
 
We would also like to offer support if you have questions on any of these programs or are considering applying for funding and would like assistance. For transportation program, please reach out to Jim Stack at GTC, and for Broadband, water, and rural development programs, please reach out to Paul Gavin at GFL. Our contact information is below.
 
Sincerely,
 
Paul Gavin, Executive Director Jim Stack, Executive Director            
Genesee Finger Lakes Regional Genese Transportation Council
Planning Council
GFLRPC’s Summit on Rural Economic Development
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Mark your calendar!

GFLRPC’s Summit on Rural Economic Development GFLRPC is pleased to announce the first installment of our Regional Summit series. This first session will focus on rural economic development – how your rural community can best position itself to maximize infrastructure funding for economic development.

Keynote speakers include Greg Albert from Empire State Development, Nicole Manapol from Letchworth Gateway Villages and Charlie Philion from the Office of Community Renewal. Our keynote speakers will share their proven strategies in rural economic development as well as funding programs and other opportunities that may be available for you community.

Date*: Thursday March 3rd, 2022
Time: 11:30 am – 4:00 pm
Place: The Gould Hotel 108 Fall Street Seneca Falls, NY, 13148

Lunch will be provided at the event. Registration is free but we ask everyone to pre-register so we can have accurate meal outs. Please RSVP using the link below.

*We are continuing to monitor the ongoing COVID situation and will proceed with the event in consultation with local and State public health officials. Should local cases continue to rise, the event may be postponed to a later date.
Info Sessions for Ag Tech Hardware Accelerator
Attend an upcoming information session to learn more about the program schedule, expectations and benefits. All three tracks will be highlighted during the information sessions and attendees will have the chance to ask questions.
DEC Community Forest Conservation Grant
$1 million in grant funds will be available to municipalities for forest land acquisition to establish community forests. The grant program’s goal is to assist communities in the conservation of local forests to create opportunities for public access, help protect natural areas from development, and encourage sustainable management of forested lands.

Applicants will be able to request $50,000 to $300,000 and must provide a 10% cash match of the grant amount requested. This is a reimbursement grant and costs eligible for reimbursement will include, but are not limited to, purchase price, appraisal, survey, title search, tax service, recording fees, and attorney fees. Properties to be acquired must be ten or more contiguous acres in size, have forests on at least 75% of the acreage, be accessible to the public, and provide public benefits such as recreation opportunities, flood mitigation, wildlife habitat, clean water, and forest products.

Applications are due 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13. Click for more information about this grant and the webinar.

A webinar about project eligibility and the application process will be held on Wednesday, February 2nd from 10am to 12pm.

Please contact Molly Hassett, molly.hassett@dec.ny.gov with any questions on this grant opportunity.
Clean Energy Communities Energy Code Training in Lima
The Energy Code—a minimum building standard for energy efficiency—is applicable to new construction and renovation of commercial and residential buildings. Completing the training module gives communities opportunities for significant energy savings through improved energy code compliance. In conjunction with G/FLRPC, NYSERDA is offering two upcoming opportunities in our region to complete this training: 

Thursday, March 3rd @ Lima Volunteer Ambulance - registration link below
 
NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Communities Program recognizes and rewards local governments for their clean energy leadership. By completing this High Impact Action, you’ll earn 200 points towards grant funding to support additional clean energy projects. 
If you have any questions, please contact your Clean Energy Communities Coordinator
HeatSmart FLX North webinar
While love is still in the air lets fall in love with our HVAC system!

Join HeatSmart FLX North on February 15 at 5:30 to learn how to fall in love with your HVAC system!

HeatSmart FLX N consultants will discuss weatherization and heatpumps that will make your home cozy all winter long.
Clean Energy Communities Spotlight
Town of Canandaigua Earns Clean Energy Communities Designation, $5,000 Grant

The Town of Canandaigua recently earned recognition as a Designated Clean Energy Community through the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Clean Energy Communities (CEC) Program. In doing so, the Town also earned a $5,000 grant to assist with future Clean Energy Initiatives. 

To earn designation, the Town needed to complete four (4) of the High Impact Actions included in the CEC Program. They chose to complete Benchmarking, Advanced Reporting, Energy Code Enforcement Training, and adopt the Unified Solar Permit.  

The Town of Canandaigua plans to use their $5,000 Designation Grant to upgrade the lighting in Town Hall to LED Fixtures. 
 
Congratulations to the Town of Canandaigua!
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