ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County (CCE Tompkins) is getting state support.

On Oct. 21, the DEC announced that CCE Tompkins is receiving $671,288 from the inaugural round of the Open Space Conservation Grant Program.

CCE Tompkins will use the funding in support of its environmental education programming. It’s part of $25.17 million awarded to 14 projects across the state.

“Governor Hochul recognizes the impact that conserving open space can have in protecting biodiversity, safeguarding water quality, maintaining working forests, and strengthening community resilience to climate change,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “This first round of new funding allows our local partners to permanently protect high-value natural areas, while also providing new recreation opportunities and expanding public access to open spaces, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State’s continued investments through programs like the Open Space Conservation Grant Program ensure critical habitats and natural resources remain protected, connected, and resilient, so that more New Yorkers can enjoy and benefit from them.”

Money for the DEC’s Open Space Conservation Grant Program comes from the 2022 Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act. The awarded projects align with the New York State Open Space Plan, which seeks to conserve 30 percent of the state’s land and water by the year 2030.