The Social Justice Center in Albany will be outfitted with a 800-square foot "green roof" as part of a state project aimed at addressing environmental and public health concerns, the State Department of Environmental Conservation annnounced Monday.

The $25,000 grant from the Environmental Justice Community Impact Research Grant (EJ) program is part of an initiative to help communities that have historically been overburdened by problems such as a high density of contaminated sites, noise, air and water pollution, health problems and lack of green space and waterfront access.

The project at the Albany Social Justice Center will focus on improving the poor air quality near the intersection of Washington and Central Aves.

The green roof will be comprised of a rooftop garden of grasses and other plants that can absorb ozone and diesel fuel particles in the heavily trafficked area of downtown Albany.