Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's Office Mon., May 2, announced $3 million in grant awards for new projects to help communities improve recreation access, protect water quality, conserve open space, and increase storm resiliency in the Hudson River Estuary watershed. Among the grants awarded locally were $20,000 to the city of Hudson to produce a natural resources inventory and conservation plan to guide land-use decisions. It will be used to revise the city's existing zoning ordinance to help conserve green space, reduce stormwater, promote green infrastructure strategies, protect open space and historic resources, and to develop vacant lots and brownfield areas. The city was also awarded nearly $92,000 to build and equip a riverfront information center. The center will be constructed from a recycled shipping container. It will be developed and operated by The Hudson Sloop Club. Other regional grant recipients include the village of Rhinebeck, town of Red Hook, Bard College and Riverkeeper. A total of $1.76 million in Hudson River Estuary grants were awarded to 36 projects. An additional $1.25 million is now available for organizations and municipalities. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2016. Read the full press release at governor [dot] NY [dot] gov.