New York announces $78 million in grants for water quality projects

New York (WRGB) — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the availability of more than $78 million in grant funding for water quality improvement and protection projects across the state. Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said the funding will support critical investments in safeguarding drinking water supplies, reducing flood risk, improving aging water infrastructure, and enhancing climate resiliency.

Lefton said,

Protecting water quality is a top priority for New York State. The grant funding announced today will help municipalities make critical investments to safeguard drinking water supplies, reduce flood risk, improve aging water infrastructure, and enhance climate resiliency.

The funding is part of the Consolidated Funding Application recently announced by Governor Hochul. At least $75 million is available through DEC’s Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) program, and up to $3 million is available through DEC’s Non-Agriculture Nonpoint Source Planning and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Mapping Grant (NPG) program.

Applications for these grants are available through New York State’s Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) until July 31, 2025. The WQIP program supports projects that directly improve water quality or habitat, promote flood risk reduction, and protect drinking water sources. Maximum grant awards range from $100,000 to $15 million, depending on the project type and population served.

The NPG program funds projects for the initial planning of non-agricultural nonpoint source water quality improvement projects. Maximum grant awards range from $50,000 to $75,000 for the Nonpoint Source Planning category and from $75,000 to $400,000 for the MS4 Mapping category.