AKWESASNE – Air Products recently awarded $30,000 in grants to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe (SRMT) from the Air Products Foundation as part of an ongoing partnership to support environmental initiatives and community services. 

Of the total grants awarded, $5,000 will be allocated to the Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department to support equipment and training needs. The remaining $25,000 will be awarded to the SRMT Environmental Division to support its Air Quality Program and the planting of native trees at the community’s new public boat launch. 

“We appreciate the support for environmental programming from Air Products, which will enable us to improve indoor and outdoor air quality within the community,” said Tony David, Director of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Environment Division.

The funds allocated to the Tribe’s Air Quality Program will be used to purchase dehumidifiers and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to protect residents against indoor air quality issues, such as mold growth and high CO levels, which can lead to or aggravate existing respiratory issues. 

Likewise, the remaining funds allocated to planting native tree species around the Tribe’s proposed boat launch and river access point will help maintain privacy with neighboring properties and support community wellbeing.

“Air Products shares a common goal of a healthy and thriving community,” said Trip Oliver, Air Products’ Director of Government and Community Relations. “These grants demonstrate our strong commitment to the welfare of the Akwesasne community.” 

The grants will be distributed to the SRMT at the end of October.