The Times Union reports that Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Feb. 20 more than $1.8 million in grants for 26 Hudson River projects. The work is to improve estuary improve water quality, enhance environmental education, and advance stewardship of natural resources. Hochul said, “New York state is investing in projects that will improve resiliency and protect our natural resources both in the Hudson River Valley and across the state.... These 26 local grants will provide dozens of communities support to improve recreation, expand river access and education, and preserve and protect this iconic river for future generations of New Yorkers.” Amoong the recipients, the Columbia Land Conservancy gets $75,000 for the Columbia County Countywide Conservation and Open Space Plan, which will engage a broad coalition of community partners to ensure that the countywide conservation vision responds to the needs of diverse communities, considers suitable renewable energy siting, and provides opportunities for the development of affordable housing. Bard College is getting $69,300 for a River Harmful Algal Blooms Watershed Characterization and Communication Toolkit, to develop a watershed characterization report and communication materials focused on harmful algal blooms in the Wallkill River in partnership with the Wallkill River Watershed Alliance, Hudson River Watershed Alliance, and Riverkeeper. Read more about this story in the Times Union.