New York to help cities, farmers adapt to climate change

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York state plans to give select cities and towns a piece of $11 million to boost green energy use and prepare for the effects of climate change.

In commemoration of Earth Week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo says Monday that cities and towns may apply to receive the funding in the form of grants for between $100,000 and $2 million. The money is intended to help them prepare for rising sea levels, erosion or flooding from severe storms. The money can also go toward projects that reduce local carbon emissions.

Cuomo also announced $1.4 million in state grants to farmers for energy efficiency, water conservation and emission reduction efforts.

The money comes from the state's environmental protection fund, which Cuomo and lawmakers recently increased to $300 million.