The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has $16 million available to support the design and construction of new energy-efficient housing and to complete similar improvements in existing buildings across New York state.

State officials said homes and buildings that take advantage of this support are projected to see annual energy cost savings of more than $9 million and total lifetime savings of as much as $180 million, as well as improved household comfort and indoor air quality.

“Ensuring New York’s buildings are constructed to the highest standards of energy efficiency is crucial to both our long-term sustainability and prosperity of the state,” said Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “Smart choices about efficiency can simultaneously save money and protect the environment. This investment promotes that principle in order to build healthy communities and save consumers hundreds of millions of dollars.”

Approximately $8 million will be offered to housing developers and builders of low-rise housing, including single-family homes and multi-unit buildings generally three stories or less, through NYSERDA’s Low-rise Residential New Construction program. The other $8 million will be offered to housing developers and builders of mid- and high-rise housing, generally multi-unit buildings of four stories or more, through NYSERDA’s Multifamily New Construction program.

Officials said approximately 75 percent of the entire $16 million in funding is designated for housing for low- to moderate-income residents, who are most vulnerable to high energy cost burdens and whose homes are often especially susceptible to the impacts of extreme weather.

Some $74.6 million in state and federal funding has been set aside for New York state’s 59 county-based agencies on aging, it was announced Aug. 30.

The money will be used to support programs that improve older individuals’ access to nutritional and disease prevention services.

State officials said these services currently help more than 238,000 older New Yorkers prevent or reduce the effect of chronic disease associated with diet and weight; strengthen the link between nutrition and physical activity for a healthy lifestyle; and improve access to nutritional information, education, counseling, and healthy foods.

This year’s commitment will generate an additional $98.3 million in funding from municipalities, plus an additional $11.5 million in direct voluntary contributions from program participants, officials said.

Of that amount, Saratoga County will receive $646,554.

“New Yorkers help their neighbors in their time of need and, with this funding, we will help ensure some of our most vulnerable citizens are not in danger of going hungry, maintain their health, and manage or reduce chronic diseases,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “I thank the members of New York’s Congressional delegation for their efforts to secure this funding.”

The nutritional needs of older adults become more critical with advancing age, officials said. Poor diet and physical inactivity are among the leading causes of disability among Americans, and cause one-third of premature deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In an initiative to enhance and expand its existing resident activities program, Wesley Health Care Center Inc., part of The Wesley Community, has been awarded a $6,000 grant from the Marjorie Rockwell Fund for the Disabled of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region.

The grant will fund new equipment and supplies for the program and expand the number of resident trips and activities for the next year.

The resident activities program at Wesley Health Care Center provides a year-round program of activities and outings for long-term care residents. Officials said the grant funding will help the program through the purchase of a portable sound system to improve sound quality of musical programs and lectures. In addition, equipment–such as a grill and gardening planters–will expand the outdoor opportunities for residents through the program.

Kitchen equipment is also to be augmented to offer residents expanded opportunities for baking with assistance from staff. Additionally, the grant will allow for expansion of both on-site performances and community-based outings and trips for one year.