Water Quality Management Planning (604(b)) Projects
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) 2009 Funding
Overview
Funds for Water Quality Management proposals that promote regional comprehensive water quality management planning activities as described in Section 604(b) of the federal Clean Water Act are available. The funds are a direct result of President Obama signing into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
Grant Information
The ARRA provides $1.7 million to New York State for planning activities associated with:
- Green Infrastructure;
- Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs);
- Phase II Stormwater for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s); and
- Water Quality Management.
The 604(b) grant will fund up to 100% of the total project cost. Funding is for projects that are ready to proceed. Projects that are awarded funding through this program will be expected to have begun or have a signed contract by February 17, 2010. In addition, all work must be completed by February 17, 2012.
Additional resources to assist in the development of Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL):
- New York State TMDL reference documents that include the Final 2008 303(d) list and recent TMDLs that have been completed by DEC.
The TMDL reference documents from the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The following links can be found under Off Site Links in the right column.
- EPA TMDL General Guidance - A listing of general guidelines for the development of a TMDL.
- EPA TMDL Specific Guidance - A listing of specific guidelines to follow when in the development of a EPA TMDL.
- EPA TMDL Decisions - A guide through TMDL process.
- EPA TMDL Examples - Sample TMDLs that have been developed for various pollutants.
- EPA TMDL Technical Support - A listing of technical support documents to assist with the development of TMDLs.
- Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters - A general guide to developing watershed plans.
Links to additional TMDL information from other organizations can also be found under Offsite Links in the right column.
- Total Maximum Daily Loads hosted by the Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators (ASIWPCA) - Provides additional information to assist with the development of a TMDL.
- Water Environment Federation (WEF) - Provides information on WEFs Third-Party TMDL Development Tool
Eligible Applicants
The following organizations are eligible to apply for this funding. Links for eligible applicants can be found under Off Site Links in the right column.
- Capital District Regional Planning Council
- Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board
- Genesee - Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council
- Herkimer - Oneida Counties Comprehensive Planning Program
- Hudson Valley Regional Council
- Lake Champlain - Lake George Regional Planning Board
- Long Island Regional Planning Council
- Southern Tier Central Regional Planning and Development Board
- Southern Tier East Regional Planning and Development Board
- Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development Board
- Delaware River Basin Commission
- Great Lakes Commission
- Interstate Environmental Commission
- Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission
- New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission
- Susquehanna River Basin Commission
The Department encourages eligible parties to reach out to New York State organizations and governmental units involved in the administration of watershed based programs for possible projects. These organizations and governmental units are not eligible to apply directly for 604(b) funds. Only the entities listed above are eligible to apply.
Useful Information
- 604(b) guidance from the EPA website (see right hand column - Offsite Links - EPA Guidance for Award of WQM Planning Grants Funded Under the ARRA)
- NYS Stimulus website (see right hand column - Offsite Links - New York's Guide to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act)
Contact Information
Susan Van Patten (518) 402-8267
More about Water Quality Management Planning (604(b)) Projects:
- ARRA and CWA Section 604(b) Funding Awards - Instructions, forms, and useful web sites for organizations who received ARRA 604(b) funds from NYS DEC.
