The state Department of Environmental Conservation is accepting applications for its Environmental Justice Community Impact grants. The department, in a press release issued Wednesday, said the program will offer up to $1 million in grants this year.

Groups will be able to receive between $2,500 and $50,000 for projects that address environmental or public health concerns. Also, 10 percent of the funding will go for Green Gems Grants that award groups between $2,500 and $10,000 for overseeing projects involving community gardens and other open spaces.

The deadline for applications is March 8, and awards are expected to be made in the summer. More information about the grants may be found by calling Melvin I. Norris, director of the Office of Environmental Justice, at 1 (518) 402-8556, or visiting www.dec.ny.gov/public/333.html.

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