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Climate Smart Communities Certification Report

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bronze Certified

This is the Climate Smart Communities Certification Report of Chemung County. Chemung County is a bronze certified Climate Smart Community.

Chemung County was certified on September 19, 2022 with 120 points earned from 23 completed actions. Listed below is information regarding Chemung County’s Climate Smart Communities efforts and materials associated with its certified actions.

The certification for Chemung County will expire on September 30, 2027.

Contact Information

The designated Climate Smart Communities contact for Chemung County is:

Name:Kevin Meindl
Title/Position:Commissioner & Director / Planning
Address:400 East Church Street
Elmira, NY 14902

Actions Implemented

Each approved action and supporting documentation for which Chemung County was approved for in 2022 appears below. Note: Standards for the actions below may have changed and the documentation listed may no longer satisfy requirements for that action.

  • 1. Build a climate-smart community.

    PE1 Action: CSC Task Force

    20 Points
    Bronze Mandatory Silver Mandatory

    Program Summary: On June 22, 2021, the Chemung County Executive designated the Emergency Management Council (EMC) of Chemung County as the Climate Smart Communities Task Force. Prior to this designation, the EMC had already been working as a liaison between the community and county government. Much of this work has been working toward the same goals outlined in the CSC application. The meeting minutes for EMC and CSC from May 25, 2021 and June 22, 2021 lists the members who were present at the meeting. These names are also listed in the CSC Task Force Members document.

    PE1 Action: CSC Coordinator

    10 Points
    Bronze Mandatory Silver Mandatory

    Program Summary: This Executive Memo dated June 22, 2021 designates Associate Planner, Tanya McGee as the official coordinator for Chemung County's Climate Smart Communities Program.

    PE1 Action: National/Regional Climate Program

    3 Points

    Program Summary: Chemung County participates in several national and regional climate programs and campaigns. One example is the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Sustainable Transit for a Healthy Planet Challenge, where the County's transportation council (Elmira-Chemung Transportation Council) is a challenge participant (supporting document named "Challenge participants_FTA.pdf"). Another example is participation of County staff (Kevin Meindl) as a Sector Advisor for the Water Resources Technical Workgroup for the New York State Climate Impacts Assessment by NYSERDA (supporting document named: "NYSERDA_sector_advisor"), as well as a the Resilient Infrastructure for Sustainable Communities (RISC) group cluster member (supporting document named "RISC Cluster Members").

    PE1 Action: Partnerships with Other Entities

    3 Points

    Program Summary: Chemung County partners with other counties on the Southern Tier Central planning regional planning and development board (supporting documents named STC_Board_MeetingMinutes"). Chemung County works closely with the Municipal Planning Organization (MPO), Elmira-Chemung Transportation Council (ECTC). Chemung County provides staff support and office space to ECTC. The current work plan for ECTC includes climate action work such as planning for electric vehicle charging stations and transitioning to low or zero emission bus fleets and was developed in partnership with the County where County staff are on the Planning Committee and Policy Committee (see page 18 of the document titled "Final Draft ECTC UPWP 2022-2023"). Chemung County also partners with Cornell Cooperative Extension on a variety of programs, including recycling and education (see document named "CCE_MOU_2020").

  • 2. Inventory emissions, set goals, and plan for climate action.

    PE2 Action: Community GHG Inventory

    16 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: The Chemung County Community GHG Inventory was prepared by the Chemung County Planning Department to assist in identifying key sources of emissions to provide guidelines and strategies that may help in reducing them. The inventory pulls data from the Cleaner, Greener Southern Tier Greenhouse Gas Inventory, developed by ICF International, and from 2019 IMPLAN environmental data. This plan is open to the public and available on the official Chemung County Planning Department's webpage here: https://www.chemungcountyny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10152/2022-Chemung-County-Community-GHG-Inventory?bidId=

  • 3. Decrease energy use.

    PE3 Action: Incentives for Employee Carpooling & Transit

    3 Points

    Program Summary: Chemung County participates in 511NY Southern Tier Rideshare, allowing employees and the community to save money and connect with others. Rideshare offers ride matching for carpools and vanpools and resources for taking transit, finding park and ride lots, bicycling, walking, telework and other options. Link to Southern Tier Rideshare Program: https://511nyrideshare.org/web/chemung-county/carpool and resolution attached. Rideshare information is shared on the Chemung County website, as well as other county organization webpages such as Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chemung County and the Chemung County Health Department. There are currently 15 employees participating in this program. $25 gift cards are raffled periodically for enrollees. Additionally, Chemung County Transit System added Route 20E, commuter service on June 6, 2011 to Demet's Candy Company for employees (view attachment).

    PE3 Action: Energy Code Enforcement Training

    5 Points

    Program Summary: Chemung County Code Enforcement Officers take 3 hours of energy training each year. Attached are 2 certificates for one of Chemung County's Code Enforcement Officers for the completion of 1.5 hours for the ECCCNYS for Large Commercial Buildings (Pt 2): Lighting Systems as well as 1.5 hours for the NYStretch Energy Code for Residential Buildings Pt. 1. NYStretch was developed by NYSERDA, and is available for voluntary adoption by local governments as a more stringent local energy code.

  • 4. Shift to clean, renewable energy.

    PE4 Action: County-hosted Trainings

    3 Points

    Program Summary: Chemung County hosted a NYSERDA training titled, "Clean Energy and Your Comprehensive Plan" on March 7, 2022 from 12:00p-2:00p. Please find the promotional flyer attached as well as the approval email from the NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities Team.

  • 5. Use climate-smart materials management.

    PE5 Action: Residential Organic Waste Program

    2 Points

    Program Summary: The Chemung County compost facility opened to the public on April 12, 2018. The facility is available free of charge for residents to dispose of yard waste. The facility is open each year, April through November. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Friday 9am-3pm and Saturdays from 10am-4pm. Yard waste accepted includes grass, tree limbs, branches, stumps, leaves, flowers and garden vegetation brush and hay. More information is available here: https://www.chemungcountyny.gov/departments/o_-_r_depatments/public_works/compost_facility.php . Each year, Chemung County is required to complete a composting report. The attached report discloses the quantity of material received between January 1, 2021- December 31, 2021. The report outlines the inputs, quantities, units and sources of waste. Additionally, attached is the news release from April 14, 2022 announcing the opening of the compost facility.

  • 6. Implement climate-smart land use.

    PE6 Action: Planning for Biking and Walking

    3 Points

    Program Summary: The Elmira-Chemung Bicycle Pedestrian Trail 2035 Plan was created to detail the opportunities and challenges for these transportation mods. It also outlines the efforts to develop a safe, more complete, and attractive network of sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, and trails. Members of the Elmira-Chemung Transportation Council include representatives from Chemung County government: https://www.chemungcountyny.gov/394/Transportation-Council

    PE6 Action: Infrastructure for Biking and Walking

    2 Points

    Program Summary: The City of Elmira West Water Street project is complete as of October 2021. These upgrades included new sidewalks that are compliant with ADA guidelines, curbed median bump-outs to promote balance between vehicles and pedestrians, and other bicycle pedestrian improvements. (Brochure Attached). In 2005, Chemung County began a shared services initiative with it's municipalities. In 2015, The County assumed the City of Elmira Streets Employees as County Employees. The Chemung County Public Works Commissioner has led the W. Water Street project from start to finish (shared services report attached). Photos include bicycle parking and pedestrian signage in the downtown area.

    PE6 Action: Access to Public Transit

    1 Points

    Program Summary: Coordinate with a regional transit agency or neighboring community to expand access to public transit within the region (1): The Elmira-Chemung Transportation Council serves as the Chemung County Metropolitan Planning Organization. The Coordinated Transportation Plan for Chemung County outlines the tri-county transit coordination between Chemung, Schuyler, and Steuben Counties to expand public transportation on page 7. Provide transit incentives directly to riders or through local employers (1): Chemung County transit has incorporated a bus route, specifically for local employees of Demet's Candy Factory since June 2011. This has been established under Route 20E (route attached). Car sharing is promoted under the Southern Tier Park and Ride program. There are 3 locations throughout the County for residents to park their cars and carpool. More information can be found here: http://chemung.cce.cornell.edu/community/getting-there/park-and-ride

    PE6 Action: Traffic Calming

    3 Points

    Program Summary: The West Water Street Improvement project has been completed as of October 2021. The pavement of West Water Street would be full-depth reconstructed to significantly improve service life, ride quality, friction, and cross slope of the roadway. This project was led by the Chemung County Department of Public Works as a result of the Chemung County Shared Services Agreement (document attached). We are seeking 3 credits, for traffic calming measures for less than 1 mile. The length of this project is approximately 1,160 ft. or 0.22 miles. Attached is the Final Project Report. Page 1-1 outlines the construction distance. · Streetscape improvements consisting of curbed bump-outs and median islands would be installed throughout the project limits. Curb bump-outs would increase safety by reducing crossing time for pedestrians and the median islands would encourage lower vehicle speeds and enhance the identity of the City. · New sidewalks and curb ramps would be installed according to American Disabilities Act Accessibilities Guidelines (ADAAG). · Parking on the south side of West Water Street would be restricted in order to develop necessary space for wider sidewalks, curb bump-outs and median islands. Overall parking spaces would not be reduced. · Back-in angle parking would be provided on the south side of West Water Street across from the new 100 West Water Street development. · Landscape elements including street trees and low-level plantings would be installed along the roadside. Pedestrian furnishings in the form of trash receptacles, benches, tables, bike racks and meter-free parking would also be installed. · Bicyclists would be accommodated in an upgraded wide travel lane where motor vehicles and bicycles can safely share the roadway. · Traffic signs would be upgraded to meet current MUTCD standards.

    PE6 Action: Local Forestry Program

    2 Points

    Program Summary: Chemung County is requesting 2 points for our participation in a New York State Forestry program. Chemung County is an active participant in the New York State Urban and Community Forestry Council. The attached invoice shows active participation for 2021-2022. Additionally, the welcome letter on behalf of the council is attached.

  • 7. Enhance community resilience to climate change.

    PE7 Action: Climate Vulnerability Assessment

    16 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: The Chemung County Vulnerability Assessment has been merged into our updated 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan. This document assesses ALL climate change and weather related hazards that affect Chemung County residents and communities. Public engagement for this assessment was completed through surveys that considered socioeconomic status, employment education, household composition, disability, and minority status. Further public survey evaluated disaster impact by jurisdiction and disaster type, while assessing their impacts.

    PE7 Action: Climate-resilient Hazard Mitigation Plan

    4 Points

    Program Summary: Attached, please find the 2020 FEMA Approval Crosswalk, showing that all approval requirements have been met. Also attached is FEMA approval. 1. Chemung County adopted Resolution No 20-339 (uploaded) to adopt the updates Hazard mitigation plan on behalf of the Chemung County Office of Fire an Emergency Management which refers the approval from New York State and FEMA. 2. There is a multi-jurisdiction agreement (uploaded) with all required resolutions 3. The 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan references Natural Hazards and Climate Change (beginning on page 6) explaining global climate change as well as climate change projections for Chemung County. Link to 2019 Hazard Mitigation Plan: https://cms5.revize.com/revize/chemungcounty/EMO/Draft%20Chemung%20County%20HMAP%202019%20-%204.30.19.pdf

  • 8. Support a green innovation economy.

    PE8 Action: Farmers’ Markets

    3 Points

    Program Summary: The Eastside Market is ran by Chemung County Agricultural Enhancement Support Staff. These staff are funded through NYS 224 dollars. Chemung County negotiates this funding with a 50/50 match. The Eastside Market takes place each Tuesday from June 22, 2021-Septermber 28, 2021. links to webpages: http://chemung.cce.cornell.edu/agriculture/buy-local/eastside-farmers-market-2022 , https://www.facebook.com/EastSideMarketElmiraNY/ .

    PE8 Action: Brownfield Clean-up & Redevelopment

    3 Points

    Program Summary: The Southside Rising Revitalization Strategy is a plan to guide the redevelopment of a brownfield site in Elmira, NY within Chemung County. Chemung County was a partner on this plan, and Chemung County is listed as a partners for several action items and recommended projects (for example, see pages 187, 221, 224, 226, 233, 235, 242, 249 for involvement of Chemung County on this plan).

  • 9. Inform and inspire the public.

    PE9 Action: Climate Change Education & Engagement

    4 Points
    Bronze Priority Silver Priority

    Program Summary: The Chemung County Planning Department, Emergency Management Department, and the Southern Tier Central Regional Planning and Development Board partnered to promote climate change education and engagement at our local farmers market. The Wisner Market runs from June 2, 2022 to September 29, 2022. The group will expand their presentations at the Eastside Farmers Market, beginning July 19, 2022. Members of each group worked together to present a flood mitigation seminar, while utilizing a flood model. Those who participated were able to create experiments that would show the detrimental effects of flooding to municipalities, homes, and businesses. Participants were also encouraged to brainstorm effects of climate change that would require flood mitigation and destruction to infrastructure. Mitigation education: Protection of infrastructure through zoning, flood zones, home raising Adaptation education: irrigation, dams, wetlands Enclosed documentation includes: 1. Climate Change Education and Engagement Plan 2. Photo documentation

    PE9 Action: Energy Reduction Campaign

    5 Points

    Program Summary: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chemung County has worked to create an Energy Navigator Campaign facilitated through the Emergency Management Council (EMC). This campaign is a 10-week course, focusing on energy efficiency, climate justice, and clean energy. A vital goal of this campaign is to raise awareness among underserved populations around issues of energy efficiency, renewable heat, renewable power and accessing clean energy programs (program materials attached). The Chemung County EMC is a voluntary advisory board appointed by Chemung County Government. Within the attachments, please find the Memorandum Of Understanding between Chemung County and Cornell Cooperative Extension' Emergency Management Council, which facilitates climate change and energy campaigns. Chemung County advises the EMC and also compensates salaries and expenses of the EMC coordinator at CCE. Members of the Chemung County Planning Department serve as planning advisors for the EMC. Additionally, Associate Planner for Chemung County serves on the Board of Directors for Cornell Cooperative Extension, to assist in outlining the roles and evaluating programming of the EMC (letter attached).

    PE9 Action: Climate-related Public Events

    3 Points

    Program Summary: The Chemung County Planning Department and members of the Climate Smart Communities Task Force, partnered with the Elmira-Chemung Transportation Council to facilitate a seminar on bicycle safety at the weekly farmer's market. The market took place from 10am - 2pm. Those who arrived at the station were given information and tutorials on bicycle safety (proper helmet wear, proper attire, hand signals, etc.). The group also made the public aware of various bus routes around the county, and available trails and walking routes. This event took place on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at Wisner Park in the City of Elmira. Link Wisner Market webpage to show that this market is ongoing: https://wisnermarket.org/ Attached are photographs of some of the members at the event, photographs of the promotional materials that were handed out. and a screenshot of the Climate Smart Communities of Chemung County Facebook Page promoting the event.

    PE9 Action: Local Climate Action Website

    3 Points

    Program Summary: The Chemung County Climate Smart webpage is a resource to educate Chemung County residents on climate change and how they may either contribute or mitigate it's effects. The site offers ways for residents to buy local food, purchase Energy Star products, stay aware of climate events and resources in Chemung County, and research their own carbon footprint. The website also provides a description of the local government’s efforts related to local climate change mitigation and adaptation and how local residents and businesses can participate in those efforts led by the local government. The link to the webpage can be found here: https://chemungcountyclimatesmart.wordpress.com/

    PE9 Action: Social Media

    3 Points

    Program Summary: Link to the official Climate Smart Communities of Chemung County page: https://www.facebook.com/Climate-Smart-Communities-of-Chemung-County-100340772466027

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