Chautauqua, N.Y. — It's another Tree City USA designation for the Village of Cassadaga, one of 18 municipalities across New York state the first to share almost $1 million in Urban Forestry Grants.

This is the first year the village received the funding, but not the first time it applied, as previous applications were denied.

Leaders were still investing local tax dollars into the tree program. This year, the village received a $15,000 grant.

"It was very exciting. We put in a ton of work," said Bob Reuther, chairman, Cassadaga Tree Committee.

Money will be used for tree inventory and management.

"How do we keep what we have? How do we replace what we need to replace? What do we need to do to make sure that our trees remain viable and remain a source of pride for our community?" said Reuther.

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos says federal funding came to the state through the Inflation Reduction Act, as a way to help make tree-lined communities more livable.

"So they can green the landscape, reduce the effects of heat, increase habitat, collect storm water," said Seggos. "That's what trees do."

Cassadaga and other areas across the state are part of Gov. Kathy Hochul's commitment to plant 25 million trees by 2033, especially in disadvantaged neighborhoods and in more urban areas that have suffered large amounts of tree loss.

"Working with communities, so they can start their inventory. So we can back fill their needs and ultimately support their efforts," said Seggos.

Communities like Cassadaga are grateful to the state for finally awarding the grant and not having to rely on taxpayers to pay for the program.

"It is a relief," said Reuther. "I mean this is like $1,000 a year minimum just to get the trees in, just to buy them, transport them and plant them. And then again we're working with volunteer labor, so this is huge."

A second grant award announcement for the Tree Maintenance and Tree Planting categories is set for later this year.