Environment DEC
From the September 2003 issue
Grants for Non-point Source, Stormwater Management Water Quality Projects
DEC is making $46 million available to municipalities throughout the state for water quality projects that improve stormwater management and non-point source abatement and control. In some parts of the state, grants also will be available for wastewater treatment improvement or aquatic habitat restoration.
WQIP 2003 Application Forms, which have been mailed to each municipality in the state, must be completed and submitted. All applications must be postmarked by September 30, 2003, except for the Hudson River Estuary Phase I Long Term Control Plans for CSO applications, which are due no later than December 31, 2003.
Copies of the 2003 application are available by calling DEC's Bond Act Office at (518) 402-9342, or by visiting DEC's website.
"These critical grants offer funding from several sources, enabling municipalities and other entities to move forward with important water quality improvement projects that might not otherwise be completed," DEC Commissioner Erin M. Crotty said. "Governor Pataki's continued emphasis on protecting and enhancing our natural resources has made New York a national leader in controlling water pollution and preserving our rivers, lakes and estuaries."
Phase II Focus
A major focus of this year's grant program is to help municipalities meet new Phase II stormwater regulations. Regulated municipalities can apply for EPF funds to implement the required stormwater minimum control measures. DEC encourages cooperation among regulated municipalities to foster consistency in stormwater management programs throughout watersheds and counties and to make efficient use of available funds.
Different Grants, Different Projects
Wastewater treatment is one focus of
a Bond Act grant for Long Island
Environmental Protection Fund (EPF): $10.1 million for non-point source abatement and control projects. The federal Performance Partnership Grant will provide an additional $1 million in funds for non-point source abatement and control projects. Another $3.4 million is available from the EPF to help regulated communities implement Stormwater Phase II requirements.
Long Island: $10 million total from the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act for wastewater treatment, non-point source abatement and aquatic habitat projects in the Peconic Estuary and the South Shore Estuary Reserve management plan areas. An additional $65,000 from the EPF is available for planning and outreach activities in the Peconic Estuary. The federal Long Island Sound Restoration Act is providing $1.8 million for wastewater treatment, non-point source abatement, aquatic habitat restoration, assessment and planning activities to implement the Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan.
New York City Watershed: $7.4 million from a combination of state funding and the federal Safe Drinking Water Act to advance the New York City Watershed Protection Program through demonstration, assessment, planning and education projects.
Capital District: $2 million from the EPF to assist in controlling the state's last major uncontrolled Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO) in area communities and sewer districts for the Phase I Long Term Control Plan for Combined Sewer Overflows.
Onondaga Lake: $10 million in state funding for wastewater improvement projects to implement the Onondaga Lake consent order.
