For Release: Friday, August 11, 2006
DEC: Grants Available for Water Quality Improvement Projects
Deadline For Applications is October 20, 2006
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan today announced that funding applications are now being accepted for Water Quality Improvement Projects (WQIPs) throughout the State. Applications will be accepted until October 20, 2006.
DEC is making funding available to municipalities, soil and water conservation districts, and not-for-profit corporations for water quality improvement projects. Funding will be available to eligible applicants throughout New York State for projects that focus on nonagricultural nonpoint source abatement and control, municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), Phase II stormwater permit implementation, water quality management, municipal wastewater treatment, and aquatic habitat restoration.
"Under the leadership of Governor George E. Pataki, DEC continues its dedication to protecting and preserving water quality of New York's streams, rivers, lakes and coastal waters," Commission Sheehan said. "These grants are designed to assist and encourage municipalities statewide to implement projects that will best protect and enhance our vital water bodies and critical aquatic habitats. The grants encourage these communities to work together with DEC in preventing water pollution and preserving New York's natural water bodies."
Statewide, the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) will provide $5.5 million for nonagricultural nonpoint source abatement and control projects and $7 million for a share of costs for wastewater treatment improvement projects undertaken by municipalities to upgrade municipal systems to meet stormwater discharge requirements. In addition, the EPF will support aquatic habitat restoration projects undertaken by municipalities and not-for-profit corporations.
Since 1995, New York has committed more than $9.7 billion in grants and loans through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act, and the EPF for projects that protect and enhance water quality.
Applications for projects submitted in April 2005 (Round 7) and March 2006 (Round 8) which did not receive grant awards will be rolled over and considered in Round 9.
Application materials for Water Quality Improvement Projects have been mailed to each municipality in New York State. Copies are also available by calling (518) 402-8185. All project applications must be postmarked by October 20, 2006.
