The LEAF grants are funded by revenue from the 5% occupancy tax collected by Essex County. The program has delivered seven rounds of grants since it started in 2020.

The Adirondack Community Avalanche Project received $3,000 to open an avalanche beacon training park. Co-founder Caitlin Kelly said it’s important to help the backcountry skiing community practice their rescue skills.

ADK Ripple Effect received $5,000 for fishing equipment for a youth program. Zac Horrocks, a Lake Placid native and fishing guide, said his goal is to get as many local kids out on the water as possible. This grant will help him purchase the appropriate safety gear.

First Steps Daycare, a pilot program run by St. Agnes School to provide child care for children from birth to age 3, received a $95,000 grant. This will be combined with an additional $50,000 from the town to cover part of the program’s start-up cost. Town council member Jason Leon said the program was close to being fully funded.

St. Agnes School principal Katie Turner received funds for the school’s pilot birth through age 3 program at a North Elba town board meeting. (Enterprise photo — Grace McIntyre)

“We know it’s an overwhelming need in our community,” said Katie Turner, principal of St. Agnes School. “We’re really grateful because of this gift, we have the opportunity to help families who are living and working in North Elba and helping young families with young children feel like they can maintain their part in this community.”

High Peaks Farmers Markets received a $4,000 grant for marketing materials. The market will be moving from their previous location near the Green Goddess parking lot to the James C. Sheffield Speed Skating Oval.

Historic Saranac Lake received $7,350, which will go toward building a new film room. Executive Director Amy Catania said this will be a part of the new museum expansion which is opening in a month.

“It’s going to be a really important draw for folks to the Tri-Lakes,” she said. “So we’re really excited to have this new venue.”

The Lake Placid Police Department received $16,070 for the purchase of a TruNarc system. This device can almost immediately detect and identify dangerous substances, said Police Chief Chuck Dobson. He said this will be helpful for situations ranging from overdoses to arresting suspected drug dealers.

The Lake Placid Volunteer Ambulance Service received $19,000 for an automated stretcher, which will help reduce the risk of injuries for volunteers helping lift people into ambulances, said Larry Brockway. He added that the TruNarc system would also be of use to the ambulance service.

Mercy Care for the Adirondacks received $5,000 to improve the Mercy Care Garden, which first opened last year.

The North Country Community College Foundation received $10,000 toward pool renovations. This is the second LEAF grant NCCC has received to support its athletic program.

The Open Space Institute Land Trust received $25,000 to build permanent bathrooms at the Adirondack Rail Trail trailhead in Lake Placid. The Placid Snowmobile Club received $50,000 toward the purchase of a groomer for the rail trail.

The Shipman Youth Center received a grant of $12,524.61 to help with kitchen renovations. Michael Durham, president of the youth center board, pointed out that the LEAF grant previously aided the center in replacing the front deck and adding an ADA-accessible ramp.

USA Luge received $10,000 for equipment to supplement their visitor experience programs. Yuliia Tyshevych, marketing manager for USA Luge, said they want to use their unique facility — the only indoor refrigerated luge facility in the country — to bring people into the sport and give visitors a fun option.

“We are an Olympic sport, so it’s just adding to the Olympic legacy of Lake Placid,” she said.

The village of Lake Placid received $20,000 toward the revitalization of Peacock Park. Deputy Mayor Jackie Kelly said the village plans to purchase an accessible kayak dock that will help more people access the lake.

Rounding out the funds for emergency services, the Lake Placid Volunteer Fire Department received $4,807 for electric vehicle fire fighting equipment. Electric car fires are different than fires from gas-powered cars, said town council member Rick Preston, so it takes a new set of tools to be ready to fight them.