According to representatives from the Chenango County Planning Department, currently there is only one charging station in Chenango County which is located in Sherburne, and adding more could help get the county more points towards becoming a Climate Smart Community. (Submitted photo)

CHENANGO COUNTY – According to representatives from the Chenango County Planning Department, the county is now enrolled in the Climate Smart Communities program which provides incentives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change.

According to Chenango County Planning Department Planner Colleen Bradley, this program paired with the Clean Energy Community program will allow the county to apply for more grants, and receive free technical assistance along with rebates for electric vehicles.

“Climate Smart Communities are communities that are forward thinking, and are keeping future generations in mind,” said Bradley. “It’s a program through New York State, and they want to see general improvements to our resiliency, sustainability, and effectiveness.”

“With the projects we’ve already started under the Clean Energy Community program, we’re already more than halfway towards being certified through the state.”

Bradley said only 58 communities in New York State have been able to achieve state certification as a climate smart community, and the potential for additional grants and improving the county makes enrolling in this program worthwhile.