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Read the press release here.

$19.5 Million Now Up for Grabs for Greenpoint Environmental Projects

By Meredith Hoffman | October 17, 2013 9:24am
 The community is about to get $19.5 million for environmental projects in the aftermath of oil spills in Newtown Creek.
The community is about to get $19.5 million for environmental projects in the aftermath of oil spills in Newtown Creek.
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Mitch Waxman

GREENPOINT — A fund of $19.5 million is about to be bestowed upon Greenpoint — and now all that's needed are innovative ideas on how to use the cash.

The Greenpoint Community Environmental Fund is now accepting proposals on how to use millions of dollars from a settlement with Exxon Mobil after decades of oil spills into Newtown Creek. Projects can be small scale, costing as little as $5,000, or they can require more than $2 million, as long as they help the environment in some way.

"The goal is to invest as much of the available money in eligible projects as soon as possible," according to the request for proposals, released Wednesday by the New York State Attorney General's office and by the fund's administrator. "This is the first request for proposals for projects that address the community’s environmental priorities."

All proposals must show significant support from the Greenpoint community, the document noted.

Projects must tackle the area's environmental problems, including water quality, groundwater, open space, reduction of pollution, or air quality, the RFP noted, and only non-profit organizations and government bodies are eligible to submit proposals.

Examples of projects include waterfront restoration, environmental education, implementing more open green space in the neighborhood, and adding eco-friendly elements to local infrastructure and buildings, the document said.

Applicants have until Dec. 18 to submit proposals and can find the application on the RFP site.