North Hempstead Scores $1.2M in State Grants

North Hempstead recently scored nearly $1.2 million in several grants  designed to spark economic development.

The funding – $1.183 million in total – will be used to enhance the town’s alternative fuel network, waterfront revitalization and Project Independence, North Hempstead’s aging in place program. In addition, two local organizations also landed funding.

The grants were awarded last week in the third round of the Regional Economic Development Council program, which was launched by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2011.

According to the town, a $1 million grant will be used for to build the town’s compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station for both public and private fleets, including school buses. Funding will also be provided for 10 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle charging stations, five new plug-in hybrid electric municipal fleet vehicles and the conversion of five existing town vehicles to CNG. The project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 3,000 tons a year, and save as much as $357,000 annually from reduced gasoline and diesel costs. 

A $125,000 grant for waterfront revitalization will encompass a feasibility study to improve the Town Dock in Port Washington and protect against future natural disasters in the scope of Hurricane Sandy. 

A $58,000 grant for Project Independence is intended to provide technology based information for health care services, transportation services and more, via the Town’s existing 311 system. It will also suport its “Help at Home” program, where the town trains disabled persons to assist seniors with household chores.

Two North Hempstead organizations were awarded grants to advance programming and training. Carle Place-based Johnson & Hoffman was awarded $42,900 for operations and software training.  Long Island Traditions of Port Washington received $50,000 for its education programs on the traditions of maritime communities after Hurricane Sandy.