A coalition of Western New York municipalities and organizations in Erie, Niagara, Allegany, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus counties has received funding from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to create a regional sustainability plan as part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Cleaner, Greener Communities Program.  The Western New York Regional Sustainability Planning process is underway and community input is needed to help shape our region’s economic and environmental future.

The Cleaner, Greener Communities Program promotes smarter growth practices by funding sustainability planning at the regional level.  Regional planning teams can partner with state and federal agencies, municipalities, non-profit organizations, private businesses and residents to break down barriers and develop a sustainability plan that reflects their area’s needs. This partnering helps to create more integrated, sustainable solutions and accelerate investment and actual development.

When completed, the Western New York Regional Sustainability Plan will:

• Plan for energy production and conservation, transportation, waste and water management, land use and livable communities, agriculture and forestry, economic development, and open space;
• Build upon Regional Economic Development planning efforts to integrate our work toward economic prosperity with efforts to promote long-term sustainability;
• Measure key indicators of sustainability, including greenhouse gas emissions and energy use, available natural resources and economic assets, liabilities, and opportunities; and
• Prioritize eligible projects that can apply for Cleaner, Greener Communities implementation funding from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

Planning teams are looking for ideas from community members and input from experts across a wide range of fields.  Please plan on attending a public workshop and sharing your ideas to help shape the Western New York Regional Sustainability Plan. The following workshops are scheduled:

Thursday, July 26, 2012, 6-8 p.m.
Moonwinks Restaurant
9302 Jackson Hill Rd., Cuba, NY 14727

To learn more about the project or to submit input via email, please visit www.sustainable-ny.com.  For questions about the project or the upcoming public meetings, please contact Elizabeth Santacrose at (716) 684-8060.