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Green Infrastructure in the Capital Region

February 5, 2017

On February 1st, 2017, the NYLCV Education Fund hosted a forum on the topic of green infrastructure in the Capital Region. The forum featured two panel discussions of policymakers and green infrastructure experts from around the state, including representatives from the Capital District Regional Planning Commission, Cornell University’s New York State Water Resources Institute, Albany Law School, Riverkeeper, The Nature Conservancy, City of Albany, New York State Environmental Facillities Corporation, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

You can watch the forum on our Facebook page here and download our recommendations here.

The first panel discussion reviewed the role that green infrastructure has already played in Capital Region sustainable development, including the successes and challenges of specific projects. Representatives from local agencies discussed the impact of past green infrastructure efforts and explored the ongoing work across the state.

Panel 1 Moderator: Katherine Meierdiercks, Professor of Environmental Studies and Science, Siena College

Panelists:
Martin Daley, Environmental Planner / Project Manager, Capital District Regional Planning Commission
Brian Davis, Professor of Landscape Architecture, Cornell University Water Resources Institute
Joseph Coffey, Jr., P.E., Water Commissioner for the City of Albany
Keith Hirokawa, Associate Professor, Albany Law School

The second panel focused on the future of green infrastructure in the planning efforts and watershed management of the Capital Region. Conversations focused on the roles that local government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses can play in encouraging sustainable development and taking advantage of its benefits. Panelists discussed opportunities for green infrastructure investment and share their visions for the path forward for sustainable development.

Panel 2 Moderator: Ruth Leistensnider, Partner in the Energy and Environment Practice, Nixon Peabody
Panelists:
Maureen Krudner, Environmental Scientist, US EPA Region 2
Brian Hahn, Assistant Manager of the Green Policy, Planning, and Infrastructure Unit, NYS EFC
Dan Shapley, Water Quality Program Director, Riverkeeper
Stuart Gruskin, Chief Conservation and External Affairs Officer, The Nature Conservancy

The NYLCV Education Fund partnered with Dr. Katherine Meierdiercks, Professor of Environmental Studies and Sciences at Siena College, to issue a research paper on policy options for the Capital Region in advance of the forum.

Many Thanks to Roux Associates and Nixon Peabody for sponsoring this forum, and to Albany Law School for co-hosting this event. 

 

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