Funds boost agricultural preservation

PIKE COUNTY, PA — In 2008, Pike County will receive an allocation of $226,902 from the state to assist in the purchase of agricultural conservation easements through the Agricultural Land Preservation Program.

Eligible properties must be in an Agricultural Security Area (ASA), which is an area of lands that are conducive to agricultural activity, ranging from horse farms and maple sugaring to forestry. There is no cost to enroll a property in an ASA. Two ASAs exist in the county, one in Lackawaxen Township (2,600 acres) and another in Dingman Township (695 acres).

Any landowner within an ASA of 500 acres or more is eligible to apply for the purchase of an agricultural conservation easement. The 2008 application deadline is July 15.

For more information email jgrohmann@pikepa.org or call 570/226-6293.

Grants offered for municipal cleanup

LIBERTY, NY — Applications are now available for matching grants of up to $5,000 to help municipalities with the cleanup of roadside sites and the removal of derelict, unsightly and unsafe structures, through the Sullivan Renaissance “Municipal Cleanup Grant” program.

Municipalities may use in-kind contributions, private and/or foundation funds and other sources of revenue for their match. Structures that are subject to controlled burns by local fire departments are also eligible for funding.

The deadline for submission is Monday, March 31. Private property owners wishing to participate should contact their local code enforcement officer or building inspector to inquire about sponsoring an application.

For more information visit www.sullivanrenaissance.org or call 845-295-2462.

Energy bill boosting solar passes House

WASHINGTON, DC — Legislation championed by Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), that will provide significant tax credits for solar research and development as well as for the purchase of solar products, has passed the House. The Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act also provides incentives for other alternative energy sources while slashing billions in tax subsidies for oil companies.

Among other measures, the bill extends a 30 percent tax credit on solar products purchased by consumers and doubles the annual cap to $4,000. The measure also extends the business solar energy tax credit at a level of 30 percent for eight years, a long-term action designed to spur investments and make solar equipment more competitive and less costly.

Additionally, the legislation repeals $18 billion in tax subsidies for massive oil and gas companies. The vote came shortly after the big five oil companies reported record profits for 2007, with ExxonMobil alone recording a $40.6 billion profit.

Conservancy opens Monticello office

MONTICELLO, NY — The Delaware Highlands Conservancy, a land trust working with landowners to conserve the natural and cultural heritage of the Upper Delaware River region, has opened an office in the Sullivan County Government Center at 100 North Street. The space is contributed by the Sullivan County Legislature and is co-located within the Sullivan County Division of Planning & Environmental Management. The office is currently staffed on Wednesdays or by appointment, with plans for full-time staffing later this year to meet the increased demand for services.

The conservancy reached a goal of 10,000 acres protected as of the end of 2007. With the addition of eight new easements in 2007, the conservancy now has almost 50 properties protected.

For more information visit www.delawarehighlands.org or call 845/794-3000, extension 3228, or 570/226-3164.

Giving fire departments an edge

MONTICELLO, NY — A grant writing workshop sponsored by Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) has been scheduled for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Ted Stroebele Recreational Center (formerly the Neighborhood Facility) at 10 Jeffersonville Street. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will help explain how local fire departments and EMS organizations can receive federal funding through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.

Hinchey has sponsored similar workshops in prior years.

“These grant workshops provide our local fire departments and EMS organizations with the information they need to submit strong grant applications that will help them secure critical federal funds to purchase life-saving equipment,” Hinchey said.

For more information visit www.firegrantsupport.com.

Task force to work on water infrastructure

HARRISBURG, PA — Governor Edward G. Rendell has signed an executive order establishing a Sustainable Water Infrastructure Task Force to analyze issues related to cost-effective and sustainable investment in the state’s water and sewer infrastructure.

“Pennsylvania is facing nearly $20 billion in unmet water-related infrastructure needs,” said Governor Rendell, “and that doesn’t even take into account ongoing capital costs and expenses associated with operations and maintenance responsibilities. We need to begin developing a comprehensive plan now that supports a sustainable network of systems to protect public health.” Pennsylvania’s share of federal funding for clean water has been cut by approximately half in the past three years, down $30 million to $27 million, while President Bush’s upcoming fiscal year budget proposal calls for another $330 million in cuts to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, largely aimed at wastewater projects.