A new $2.5 million grant program will offer funding opportunities for local governments to invest in clean energy initiatives such as solar and electric vehicle infrastructure.

The program, unveiled Monday by County Executive Jen Metzger, is called the Solar and Electric Vehicle Infrastructure, or SEVI and it will be paid for with part of the county's American Rescue Plan Act funds.

It will provide grants of up to $100,000 per municipality, with a 50 percent local match required.

"There has never been a more opportune time for local governments to make clean energy investments," Metzger said in a news release. "Thanks to the federal Inflation Reduction Act, governments can now take advantage of tax incentives of up to 30-40 percent of project costs, in addition to state and utility incentives and our SEVI program."

The application process is open to all local governments in the county.

Awards are expected to be announced in August and future funding rounds are possible, depending on funding availability.

"By committing $2.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act funds, we’re supporting local governments in their efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change," said County Legislator Tom Corcoran (R-Marlborough), ARPA Committee Chair. "The program awards up to $100,000 to town and village governments for solar and EV charging infrastructure, with a 50 percent local match requirement. These investments not only benefit our environment but also make fiscal sense by lowering energy costs and promoting economic development. Now is the opportune time for local governments to embrace these clean energy solutions."

For more information, visit: https://participate.ulstercountyny.gov/solar-ev-grants.