For Release: Friday, January 28, 2005
DEC: Grants Available for Water Quality Improvement Projects
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty today announced that funding applications are now being accepted for Water Quality Improvement Projects (WQIPs) throughout the State. Applications will be accepted until April 29, 2005.
This year, DEC is making approximately $20 million available to municipalities for water quality improvement projects. Funding will be available for municipalities throughout New York State for projects that focus on stormwater management and nonpoint source abatement and control. Funding will also be available for wastewater treatment improvement or aquatic habitat restoration in certain areas of the State.
"DEC is fortunate to have a leader like Governor George E. Pataki who continues to emphasize the protection of water quality by preventing water pollution and preserving the health of New York's rivers, lakes, and estuaries," Commissioner Crotty said. "This new round of grants will help municipalities and other entities develop and complete important water quality improvement projects that might not otherwise be completed."
Statewide, the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) will provide $10.8 million for nonpoint source abatement and control projects. These funds will also be used for agricultural nonpoint source projects which were the subject of a recent, separate call for projects. A portion of the non-agricultural nonpoint source funds will be available to assist regulated communities across the State with implementation of Stormwater Phase II requirements.
On Long Island, $6.7 million from the 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act will be available for wastewater treatment, nonpoint 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, nonpoint source abatement, aquatic habitat restoration, 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 Hudson River from its source in the Adirondack Mountains all the way to New York City.
Since 1995, New York has committed approximately $9 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.
A new WQIP 2005 Application Form must be submitted to be considered for funding. Applications from previous years will not be carried over. This year, the WQIP application packet also includes information on how to obtain materials to apply for other funding programs, including the New York State Clean Vessel Assistance Program, Long Island Sound Newtown Creek Environmental Benefits Fund, 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 Water Quality Improvement Projects have been mailed to each municipality in New York State. Copies are also available by calling (518) 402-8151 or on DEC's website. All project applications must be postmarked by April 29, 2005.
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