Governor Hochul's $80M funding aims to protect NY communities from climate change impacts
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced $80 million in grant funding for climate resiliency projects across New York State.
The funding, part of the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022, aims to support projects that reduce flood risk and enhance community resilience to extreme weather.
Hochul said,
Making New York more resilient in the face of increasingly devastating storms and other extreme weather emergencies is a top priority for our state. With $80 million now available from the Environmental Bond Act, communities statewide will be able to take necessary steps to protect flood-prone areas, safeguard infrastructure, and ensure the safety of their homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
The funding will be distributed through three new grant programs focused on adaptation and improvements to protect lives and minimize the financial burden of recovering from future extreme weather events.
The programs include the Resilient Watersheds Grant Program, the Coastal Rehabilitation and Resilience Projects Program, and the Inland Flooding and Local Waterfront Revitalization Implementation Projects Program.
Sean Mahar, interim commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, said,
Through Governor Hochul’s leadership and historic Environmental Bond Act investments, New York State is improving community resilience to extreme weather events driven by climate change.
Maureen A. Coleman, president and CEO of the Environmental Facilities Corporation, added,
By helping municipalities protect their critical water infrastructure from extreme weather events, we are investing in a safer, healthier, and more livable future for New Yorkers.
Secretary of State Walter Mosley emphasized the long-term benefits, stating,
The Environmental Bond Act is a historic and transformative investment in the future of the Empire State that will pay dividends for generations to come.
The announcement complements Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget proposal, which includes more than $1 billion for a sustainable and affordable future, marking the largest climate investment in state history.
The proposal aims to generate jobs, reduce energy bills, and cut pollution, while also directing a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities.
Applications for the grant programs can be submitted through the Consolidated Funding Application portal by June 6, 2025. A webinar for potential applicants will be held on March 12, 2025.