Brooklyn Borough President

BOROUGH PRESIDENT JOINS CON EDISON IN ANNOUNCING FUNDS FOR BROOKLYN ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS

On November 14th, Borough President Marty Markowitz joined Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc., (Con Edison) in announcing its Green Grants Program, a new funding initiative intended to support organizations whose activities advance strong, vibrant and stable communities through innovative, engaging, Brooklyn-based environmental projects. The company will award a total of up to $300,000 raised through the sale of emissions credits accrued by its Hudson Avenue power plant, located in western Brooklyn.

“I am honored and pleased to be a part of the Green Grants Program. So many Brooklyn neighborhoods bear unnecessary and unhealthy environmental burdens,” said Borough President Markowitz “It is my hope that these funds will be the beginning of a trend that fosters development of environmentally sustainable projects within our borough. I would like to thank Con Edison for making the funds available and the Brooklyn Center for the Urban Environment (BCUE) for administering the Green Grants program. This represents the continuation of a fruitful and promising partnership, and I look forward to seeing the results of this very important program."

“We are very excited about the potential of this new initiative and its ability to make a positive difference in the communities we serve. We anticipate a tremendous response,” said David Gedris, vice president of Brooklyn electric operations for Con Edison. “Working together, we will ensure that the Green Grants Program will support neighborhood organizations that enhance the environment,” Gedris added.

A Request for Proposals from qualified nonprofit organizations and schools working in Brooklyn’s Community Boards 1, 2, 3, 6 and 8 that are interested in applying for funding for projects was also announced. The Brooklyn Center for the Urban Environment (BCUE), a renowned local environmental education organization headquartered in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, will provide the necessary expertise to the project by facilitating the proposal submission and review process.

"The Center is proud to provide technical assistance to Con Edison for the Green Grants Program,” said Sandi D. Franklin, BCUE’s Executive Director. “The Center brings 25 years of experience in environmental education to this important community project. The educators, environmentalists and local leaders on the proposal review panel share the Center’s and Con Edison’s commitment to empowering communities. Green Grants will support neighborhood vitality and environmental excellence.”

BCUE will also host a Proposers Conference on December 2nd from 1 to 3pm at the Tennis House in Prospect Park for groups interested in obtaining funding for project. Grant applications will be due by January 15, 2003 with the announcement of organizations and projects for which grants have been awarded expected in spring 2003.