The Clearwater sloop has spawned an organization that fights for environmental justice all along the Hudson River valley. Its leaders are now offering to bring a community focused environmental project to Newburgh.
By Nancy Peckenham
The Clearwater sloop has been plying the Hudson River for more than 40 years, bringing its message of environmental advocacy to thousands of people who live along its banks. Now the environmental director of the Clearwater organization would like to bring federal funds to Newburgh to start identifying polluted areas of the city and design an action plan to correct the problems.
Manna Jo Greene told the Newburgh City Council on Thursday evening that she would like the council’s support to apply for a $90,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Coummunity Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program. Greene told the council that Clearwater has developed similar environmental justice programs in Kingston, Poughkeepsie, Beacon and Peekskill and would like to work with partners in Newburgh to identify environmental and health concerns and develop an action.
Once a plan has been created through this collaborative process, Greene said the group can apply for the next level of funding. “Our greatest skill is helping people to work together and come up with successful projects,” Greene told the council members, noting that Clearwater has four staff people working in environmental justice issues.
City council members responded favorably to the proposal and will discuss writing a letter to endorse the grant application at their next meeting.
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