After Devastating Flooding, Governor Hochul Extends Application Deadline for More Than $500 Million in Resiliency-Related Grants

 

Deadline Extended to August 11 as Communities Statewide Face Aftermath of Severe Weather Emergencies

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the extension of the application deadline for certain resiliency-related state grants in the wake of impacts from devastating flooding in communities across New York State. The new August 11 deadlines provides communities impacted by storm damage additional time to apply for resources to help improve water quality, strengthen flood resiliency, and mitigate climate change.

"Communities dealing with the destruction and aftermath of these severe weather events shouldn't lose out on the opportunity to apply for grant funding that could advance critical water quality and resiliency projects," Governor Hochul said. "Extending the deadline will give flood-stricken communities time to finish their applications for projects that will protect public health, prepare for future severe weather events, and create jobs that boost local economies."

The deadline for the following grant programs was extended from July 28 to Aug. 11:

• Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) and Intermunicipal Grants (IMG): $425 million is available to fund critical wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects. This amount is made available through a combination of existing state resources and the voter-approved Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.
• In addition, certain resiliency-related programs available through the Governor's Consolidated Funding Application are also extended:
• Water Quality Improvement Projects (WQIP): $75 million is available to fund projects that directly improve water quality or aquatic habitat, promote flood risk reduction, restoration, and enhanced flood and climate resiliency or protect a drinking water source.
• Green Innovation Grant Program (GIGP): $15 million is available for projects that utilize green stormwater infrastructure design and green technologies.
• Engineering Planning Grants (EPG): $3 million is available to help fund engineering reports for wastewater projects.
• Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning and MS4 Mapping Grant: $3 million is available to reimburse the cost of planning reports for nonpoint source water quality improvement projects and mapping of Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s).

The online application and eligibility information for the WIIA and IMG programs are available at efc.ny.gov/wiia. WIIA and IMG applications are due no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 11.

The CFA is available at apps.cio.ny.gov/apps/cfa. Applications for WQIP, GIGP, EPG and non-agricultural non-point source and MS4 planning grants are due no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 11.

New York State's nation-leading investment in clean water infrastructure totals $5 billion since 2017. Under the leadership of Governor Hochul, the 2023-24 Enacted Budget includes the $500 million in clean water funding. The Governor launched Community Assistance Teams this year to expand EFC's technical assistance program and help small, rural, and disadvantaged communities leverage this funding to address their clean water infrastructure needs. Any community that needs help with their water infrastructure needs is encouraged to contact EFC at efc.ny.gov/CAT.

The voter-approved $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act specifically named EFC's grant programs as tools for leveraging funding for water quality improvement and resilient infrastructure. The Bond Act is advancing historic levels of funding to update aging water infrastructure and protect water quality, strengthen communities' ability to withstand severe storms and flooding, reduce air pollution and lower climate-altering emissions, restore habitats, and preserve outdoor spaces and local farms. Disadvantaged Communities will receive at least 35 percent of the benefits of Bond Act funding, with a goal of 40 percent.

New York State is hosting on-site and virtual listening sessions for communities to learn more about Bond Act funding opportunities and to weigh in on the draft eligibility guidelines being developed to identify potential projects. Go to the Bond Act website at www.ny.gov/BondAct to learn more and register for the July 20 Capital Region, July 26 virtual, and other upcoming sessions this summer.