This will help reduce the number and severity of health problems linked to such pesticide use. In addition, funding is provided for cancer mapping in the Department of Health. Under the Assembly proposal, the Department will prepare Statewide maps depicting cancer incidence using a unit of analysis specific enough to locate potential cancer clusters. Such maps will include overlays of sources of environmental, occupational and geographical risks. The Assembly plan provides local government assistance in order to further natural resource protection.
Funding is included to support Statewide smart growth demonstration programs.
It is anticipated that such programs will be undertaken in the lower Hudson region, Long Island and Western New York. In addition, the Assembly includes funding to assist municipalities in the review of applications for the siting of wireless telecommunication towers, in order to protect scenic and environmental values. In addition, the Assembly provides that any sale of surplus land be consistent with the recommendations of the State Land Acquisition Plan. This would ensure that the natural resource value of State-owned land is fully identified and considered before its sale. The Assembly includes funding for environmental education through the establishment of green science grants administered by the State Education Department.