NY Sea Grant launches tool to help towns meet climate goals

New York Sea Grant has unveiled a new online tool to help local governments align water-related activities with state and federal climate program criteria—potentially unlocking valuable certification points and funding opportunities.

The Crosswalk tool, developed by NYSG, offers municipalities a side-by-side comparison of New York State’s Climate Smart Communities (CSC) program with six other state and federal programs. These include the Coastal Erosion Hazard Area Communities program, Community Rating System, Drinking Water Source Protection Program, Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, and Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer System.

“This resource is designed to help communities identify efforts like green infrastructure, nature-based shoreline projects, and smart growth ordinances that might also count toward multiple program certifications,” the organization stated.

A free webinar will demonstrate how to use the tool on Monday, June 30, from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. Municipal officials, planners, code officers, and residents are encouraged to attend. Registration is available at https://nyseagrant.info/csccrosswalkwebinar, or by contacting [email protected] or calling 315-312-3042.

NYSG noted that while the tool helps communities identify overlapping criteria, it does not guarantee eligibility for certification points. Final determinations will be made by state and federal program reviewers.

The Crosswalk tool was funded by the New York State Environmental Protection Fund under the New York Ocean and Great Lakes Ecosystem Conservation Act.