DEC Releases for Public Review and Comment Draft Eligibility Guidelines for Water Quality Improvement Project Program Grants for Municipal Stormwater Projects

 

Draft Guidelines Now Available for Public Comment Through April 19, 2024

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released for public review and comment draft eligibility guidelines to support projects funded through the Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) grant program under the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 (Bond Act). This action delivers on elements of Governor Kathy Hochul’s clean water and resiliency plan to protect New Yorkers from extreme weather driven by climate change. The guidelines specifically address funding eligibility for Bond Act opportunities that will be made available for municipal stormwater projects, one of several focus areas of the WQIP program.

 

“Properly functioning stormwater infrastructure is vital to ensuring the health and safety of our communities during and after weather events,” said Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Projects funded through the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act will increase the ability of more New York communities to better withstand flooding and severe weather events, and DEC encourages comments on these draft guidelines to help shape the future of New York’s stormwater systems.”

 

WQIP grants implement 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. The guidelines support funding for construction or implementation projects that fit designated criteria for municipal stormwater projects.

 

The full eligibility guidelines are available in this week’s Environmental Notice Bulletin.

 

Public comments on the draft guidelines will be accepted until Friday, April 19, 2024, at 5 p.m. and can be submitted in writing: by mail to Stephanie June, NYS DEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12223; and by email to Stephanie.June@dec.ny.gov (Place “Bond Act” in the subject line). Questions can be directed to (518) 402-8179.

Disadvantaged Communities 

The Bond Act requires that disadvantaged communities shall receive no less than 35 percent, with the goal of 40 percent, of the benefit of total Bond Act funds ($4.2 billion). Disadvantaged communities are those identified by the Climate Justice Working Group, pursuant to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Consistent with this Bond Act requirement, DEC will aim to prioritize 40 percent of grant awards benefit disadvantaged communities.

 

New York’s Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 

On Nov. 8, 2022, New Yorkers overwhelmingly approved the $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act. State agencies, local governments, and partners will be able to access funding to protect water quality, help communities adapt to climate change, improve resiliency, and create green jobs. Bond Act funding will support new and expanded projects across the state to safeguard drinking water sources, reduce pollution, and protect communities and natural resources from climate change.

Since the Bond Act passed, an inter-agency working group comprised of multiple state agencies has been implementing a transparent and collaborative process to identify needs for environmental funding across the state to help develop program logistics. In the last year, the state announced a $200 million funding investment toward the state’s existing Water Infrastructure Improvement and Intermunicipal Grant programs, $100 million available for zero-emission school buses, $100 million available for Clean Green Schools, $13.1 million to support construction of the Adirondack Rail Trail, and State-administered forestry projects to plant 25 million trees by 2033. Find more Bond Act-related information and sign up for progress updates.