Environment DEC
From the March 2005 issue
Grants Available for Water Quality Improvement Projects
DEC is making approximately $20 million available to municipalities throughout New York State for water quality improvement projects (WQIP). Funding can be used for projects that focus on stormwater management and non-point source abatement and control, and in certain areas, for wastewater treatment improvement and aquatic habitat restoration. Applications must be postmarked by April 29, 2005.
Environmental Protection Fund
Statewide, the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) will provide $10.8 million for non-point source abatement and control projects. These funds also will be used for agricultural non-point source projects which were the subject of a recent, separate call for projects. A portion of the non-agricultural non-point source funds will be available to assist regulated communities across the state with implementation of Stormwater Phase II requirements.
Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act
Application packets include additional
information on other funding programs
On Long Island, $6.7 million from the 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act will be available for wastewater treatment, non-point source abatement, and aquatic habitat projects in the Peconic Estuary and the South Shore Estuary Reserve management plan areas. The federal Long Island Sound Restoration Act is providing $2.5 million for wastewater treatment, non-point source abatement, aquatic habitat restoration, and assessment and planning activities to implement the Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan. Among the projects being solicited are those that will help meet Governor Pataki's 2009 goal of achieving water quality suitable for swimming along the length of the Hudson River from its source in the Adirondack Mountains all the way to New York City.
2005 Application
A new WQIP 2005 Application form must be submitted for projects to be considered for funding. Applications from previous years will not be carried over. This year, the WQIP application packet also includes information about how to obtain materials to apply for other funding programs, including the New York State Clean Vessel Assistance Program, the Long Island Sound Newtown Creek Environmental Benefits Fund, the New York City Watershed Protection Program Grant, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, and the New York State Water and Sewer Co-Funding Initiative.
Application materials for WQIPs have been mailed to each municipality in New York State. Copies are also available by calling 518-402-8151, or can be downloaded from DEC's Web Site (see link below).
