New York State Senator Pete Harckham announced today a new electrification project for the Town of Ossining, secured with $100,000 in State Senate grant funding, which helped purchase solar panels and a new electric power system at the Cedar Lane Arts Center.
Harckham’s funding will also support the installation of a new lighting system for the neighboring dog park at Cedar Lane, while providing enough energy to power the Arts Center’s high-demand equipment, such as the kiln, and will illuminate the dog park during the evenings.
“As Ossining works towards increasing the use of renewable energy in its municipal infrastructure, this investment in solar power is a perfect fit,” said Harckham. “I’m proud to have arranged for Senate funding to cover the costs of this project, knowing it will enhance public spaces in the community and reduce energy expenses for local taxpayers. I applaud the Town of Ossining on its creative use of these funds.”
“The Town of Ossining is grateful to receive $100,000 from Senator Pete Harckham through an electrification grant,” said Town Supervisor Liz Feldman. “This money will enable us to safely expand the park’s hours to meet the needs of the residents, who cannot adjust their work schedule to visit the park with their canine companions during the darker winter months. Supporting the Arts Center’s pottery kiln and heat pump system with the solar panels is an added plus.”
The Town of Ossining has sought additional funding for several years to install lights and run a power line from the Arts Center, and now with the Senate grant funding the town can move forward with the project.
This funding is part of the municipal electrification grant that Harckham delivered to all municipalities in Senate District 40 through the Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology (CREST) program.
In August 2023, Harckham announced $2.1 million in grant funding available to local municipalities for various improvement and infrastructure projects, including downtown enhancements and new public safety equipment, all designed to benefit residents without burdening taxpayers. His announcement was made at a press conference at the Louis Engel Park in Ossining. Each municipality in the 40th Senate District was eligible to receive up to $100,000 in unrestricted CREST funding, allowing local officials to allocate the resources as needed.
Harckham announced an additional $2.3 million in electrification grant funding for municipalities in July at the Chilmark Village Park in Briarcliff Manor.
The CREST program is among the State Senate grant programs administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) to support community and economic development. Harckham has delivered more than $30 million of State Senate grant funding to municipalities and nonprofits in the 40th Senate District since taking office in 2019.
[Attached photos: 1) State Sen. Pete Harckham with (l-r) Ossining Town Supervisor Liz Feldman and residents Cheryl Katz and Grace Koch at the Cedar Lane Dog Park
2) State Sen. Pete Harckham with Ossining Town Supervisor Liz Feldman. Credit: Office of State Sen. Pete Harckham / James Person]
