NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF STATE ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF $392,000 WELCOME CENTER AND COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE IN CHINATOWN

Part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the Think!Chinatown Studio Welcome Center Features Gathering Space for Arts, Culture, and Community 

New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley today announced the completion of the $392,000 Cultural Welcome Center, Think!Chinatown Studio, as part of Chinatown’s $20 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) award. The new space will serve as a community gathering place for sharing intergenerational knowledge about culture and the arts with residents and visitors of all backgrounds interested in learning more about Chinatown. 

 

“Chinatown is a world-renowned cultural destination that reflects the rich history, traditions, and contributions of one of New York City’s most vibrant communities,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “With the completion of this new cultural center, residents and visitors alike will now have an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the heritage and culture that makes Chinatown so unique. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s continued support through the DRI, this community-driven project will help preserve and celebrate Chinatown for generations to come.”  

 

The center has transformed a once-vacant 1,200 square foot commercial storefront into a gathering space for arts, culture, and community. Programming will include hands-on foodways, folk arts, and cultural workshops, exhibitions for art and urban planning, storytelling recording, tea education and experiences, talks, and cultural performances and demonstrations. The space will also provide office space for Think!Chinatown, which supports cultural programming work throughout the neighborhood, including Chinatown Nights (formerly known as Chinatown Night Market) the Chinatown Arts Festival, and the Chinatown Block Party. Think!Chinatown was a key participant in the overall community-led DRI planning process. 

 

Chinatown is an ethnically diverse neighborhood in Manhattan that contains the largest Chinese population in an urban area outside of China, as well as residents of Latin American, Italian and Eastern European Jewish descent and other backgrounds. The community prides itself on its diversity and broad array of cultural attractions, experiences and services. Through the DRI, Chinatown is creating welcoming landmarks, streetscapes and public spaces to draw visitors and encourage more foot traffic, and economic and cultural activity. 

 

Manhattan’s Chinatown was named the New York City Downtown Revitalization Initiative winner for the fifth round in 2021. Other DRI winners in the region include Downtown Jamaica; Bronx Civic Center; Downtown Brooklyn; Downtown Staten Island; East Harlem; Long Island City; Greater Morris Park; and East Williamsburg. 

 

In addition to the Think!Chinatown Studio Cultural Welcome Center, the following projects are also funded by the DRI in Chinatown: 

 

• Chinatown Connections: Combining three projects: Beautify the Park Row Connection to Chinatown; Renovate Kimlau Square; and create a Chinatown Welcome Arch/Gateway. 
   

• Upgrade a Section of Sara D. Roosevelt Park: Expanding upon the larger scope of work currently planned for the Park, the City will renovate the area known as the Pit, Hua Mei Bird Garden, and adjacent perimeter sidewalk, paths, bike lanes, and walls. The improvements will provide expanded access and a welcoming public space with seating, shade, and landscaped areas for the multi-generational local community. 
   

• Create a Buildings Upgrade Fund: The Chinatown Partnership will establish a grant program to help existing small businesses and building owners make improvements to local storefronts and businesses. Eligible activities include: façade/storefront improvements, ADA accessibility improvements, awnings, signage, lighting, historic plaques and security cameras. 

 

• Open a Community Health and Wellness Center: Establish a new community health and wellness center at 60 Madison Street, which will offer much-needed high-quality and culturally accessible health and mental health services to the community. 

 

• Expand Light Up Chinatown Street Lanterns: This project consists of improving pedestrian lighting, expanding festive street lanterns, and installing illuminated standalone art installation(s), all within the Chinatown neighborhood.  Work includes creating a toolbox of lighting improvements that will result in greater street visibility and safety for residents, strengthening Chinatown’s cultural identity, and attracting tourists and visitors. 
   

• Reopen the Childcare and Family Support Center at Smith Houses (10 Catherine Slip): Repair the 4,700-square-foot childcare and family support center at New York City Housing Authority's Alfred E. Smith Houses to provide daycare and other supportive services. 
   

• Launch a Small Business Innovation Hub: Create an incubator storefront as part of a 2,500-square-foot hub centered on providing local small businesses with training, workshops, technical assistance, physical space and other resources to grow. The Hub, located at 115 Bowery, is a vital center for supporting entrepreneurship and innovation within the Chinatown community.  
   

• Create the Chinatown Art-Eries Public Art Fund: a grant fund focused on public art and cultural placemaking installations that will enliven public spaces and celebrate the cultural heritage and history of Chinatown and surrounding areas. 
   
   

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Think!Chinatown Studio will serve as both a gateway and gathering place, inviting people to experience the culture, creativity, and history that make Chinatown such an important part of New York City. By creating space for education, artistic expression, and community connection, this project helps ensure that Chinatown’s unique identity remains visible, accessible, and celebrated for years to come.” 

 

New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallin said, “Through strategic development and targeted partnerships, this transformative state investment will enrich this community and create lasting benefits for both local residents and visitors alike. The new Think!Chinatown Studio Welcome Center is a wonderful addition to downtown New York City, and we extend our congratulations to NYSCA grantee Think!Chinatown, for this remarkable project.” 

New York City Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chair Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said, “Great neighborhoods thrive when residents, entrepreneurs, artists, and community organizations have places to come together and share ideas. Think!Chinatown Studio creates that kind of anchor for Chinatown—supporting local activity, drawing visitors, and providing a flexible space where new programs and partnerships can take root. The Council was proud to support a project that strengthens the neighborhood’s future while building on the energy that already exists throughout the community.” 

 

Yin Kong, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Think!Chinatown said, “For too long, Chinatown has disproportionately lacked dedicated arts spaces. With the opening of Think!Chinatown Studio, we have created a new entry point for investment in the arts for Chinatown, and a new opportunity for the depths of existing Chinatown culture to find the spotlight. Having spaces like the Think!Chinatown Studio is essential to anchor our placekeeping practices and grow our feeling of belonging to this neighborhood that holds a special place in the heart of so many New Yorkers.” 

 

Lisa Gold, Executive Director of the Asian American Arts Alliance (A4) said, “As the leader of an AAPI-serving arts organization, I know first-hand how vital the work of Think!Chinatown is to our community and the New York City creative ecosystem as a whole. Their programming and welcoming new studio space is needed in Chinatown more than ever and I am thrilled to celebrate their grand opening thanks to the State’s funding.” 

 

The new Think!Chinatown Studio will permit Think!Chinatown to expand its work with local artists and arts organizations.    

 

Chinatown Artist Arlan Huang said, “Every year we await with great expectation Think!Chinatown’s new program. Their arts and cultural programs always reveal new threads in the invisible weave that unites us as a community. It is a joy and always spectacular. As an artist concerned with the health of Chinatown I am humbled by their hard work and delighted to see the new Think!Chinatown Studio! They are quick to respond to community issues. They bring light and perspective with a moral and ethical integrity. And they are willing to defend it. I am proud to be a part of Think! Chinatown.” 

 

About the Downtown Revitalization Initiative 

The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was created in 2016 to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods in all ten regions of the state to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment. Led by the Department of State, with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal and NYSERDA, the DRI represents an unprecedented and innovative "plan-then-act" strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation. Through nine rounds, the DRI will have awarded a total of $1 billion to 99 communities across every region of the State. 

Mayor Mamdani Releases PSA to Ready New Yorkers for Extreme Heat Throughout the Summer

 

Heat index may hit 100 degrees later this week

  

All summer, New Yorkers can find a place to cool off on the NYC Cool Options map

  

During extreme heat, hundreds of cooling centers are activated across all five boroughs and outreach to vulnerable neighbors intensifies

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today released a video PSA urging New Yorkers to take steps now to prepare for extreme heat throughout the summer. The City is readying for extreme heat as soon as this week. On Thursday and Friday, heat indices could reach into the high 90s and potentially 100 degrees. With the increased humidity, scattered showers on Thursday and thunderstorms on Friday are possible. The City is taking a whole-of-government approach to not only warn New Yorkers of extreme heat but prepare and keep them safe.  

  

During periods of extreme heat, New Yorkers are urged to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during peak heat hours and seek air-conditioned spaces whenever possible. Residents should check on vulnerable neighbors — especially older adults — and loved ones, recognize the warning signs of heat illness and help others who may be at greater risk. Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know has hot dry skin, trouble breathing, rapid heartbeat, confusion, disorientation, dizziness, nausea or vomiting. Never leave children, adults or pets in cars.  

  

Stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency communications program, by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 and visiting nyc.gov/beattheheat for more health and safety guidance.  

  

“There is nothing more important in extreme heat than connecting our neighbors with safe, air-conditioned spaces to cool off and ride out the dangerous conditions,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Do your part now to prepare yourself and your community for the extreme heat we’re sure to see this summer. Help your auntie set up her air-conditioning. Install an indoor thermometer for the senior down the hall. Show your friends how to find one of the City’s cooling centers online. Whatever you do, do not underestimate extreme heat. Hot summer days can turn deadly fast.”  

  

“City agencies are ready to respond to a summer of celebrations, and that includes quickly mobilizing to help New Yorkers stay safe in extreme heat,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson. “When a heat emergency hits, we activate hundreds of cooling centers, dispatch teams across all five boroughs to connect New Yorkers with safe, air-conditioned spaces and make sure planned events are ready to pivot to protect the health and well-being of attendees. New Yorkers can contribute too by checking in on one another, connecting neighbors with cool spaces and staying vigilant for signs of heat illness.”  

  

“As our city prepares for a heat emergency, it is critical that we keep our fellow New Yorkers, especially older adults and homeless individuals, safe and — for those who need to cool down — help locate one of the hundreds of cooling centers across New York City,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga. “Our administration is encouraging everyone to remain attentive and call 311 if you require assistance. If someone is exhibiting severe symptoms, like confusion or vomiting, we ask that you call 911 immediately to connect them with the medical care they need. Together, we can keep our friends, families and neighbors healthy and cool during this bout of extreme heat.”  

  

“When extreme heat hits New York City, working people are among the most vulnerable. For workers, heat is not just inconvenient or uncomfortable, it can be deadly,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su. “That’s why every City agency moves together — and that coordination saves lives. Our cooling centers open, our outreach teams deploy and our healthcare system stands ready, all at once. Deputy Mayor Kerson, Deputy Mayor Arteaga and I are proud to work alongside every corner of this administration to make sure that when temperatures rise, New Yorkers have somewhere safe to go and someone looking out for them.”  

  

“As another early-season heat wave is expected to impact New York City, it is crucial that everyone take steps to beat the heat; make a plan and learn about the cooling options available citywide,” said New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) Commissioner Christina Farrell. “Climate change is making dangerously hot weather more frequent, intense and longer-lasting. Stay cool by turning on your air conditioner or visiting a cooling center. High heat can be dangerous; look out for each other, especially older adults, children and anyone with chronic health conditions. Learn the signs of heat stroke.”  

  

NYCEM declares a heat emergency when the National Weather Service forecasts a heat index of 95 degrees or higher for at least two consecutive days or 100 degrees or higher at any point. Once the Heat Emergency Plan is triggered, the City launches a coordinated interagency response across all five boroughs.  

  

Key actions include directing New Yorkers to cool options and activating cooling centers; expanding outreach to residents at highest risk; increasing public information efforts; strengthening coordination with healthcare providers, community organizations and utilities; and monitoring health impacts in real time.  

  

Cool Options and Cooling Centers  

  

In New York City, most heat-related deaths occur after prolonged exposure to heat indoors without air conditioning. Air conditioning remains the most effective way to stay safe during extreme heat, though many New Yorkers at highest risk may not have access to or use air conditioning.  

  

New Yorkers are encouraged to find a cool option — which can be a friend or family member’s home, a café, a museum, a mall or a public place like an official NYC Cooling Center. During a heat emergency, the City opens hundreds of free cooling centers at its public hospitals, libraries, older adult centers and other public locations across all five boroughs.   

  

New Yorkers can find a nearby place to cool off, including cooling centers during heat emergencies and accessible and pet-friendly locations, by visiting the City’s Cool Options Map or calling 311. Service animals are always permitted. New York City provides cool options and heat safety resources in every neighborhood, while also prioritizing communities facing the greatest health risks from extreme heat, as identified by the NYC Heat Vulnerability Index (HVI).  

  

In addition to cooling centers, the City offers outdoor cooling resources, including spray showers and drinking fountains, through Cool It! NYC.   

  

Public beaches are free and open daily with lifeguards on duty between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Swimming in restricted areas or when a lifeguard is not on duty is prohibited and very dangerous. The City’s free outdoor pools open for the season on June 27 and will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.  

  

Adults 18 and older can obtain a free City-approved spray cap from their local firehouse (with valid ID) to turn fire hydrants into sprinklers. Spray caps regulate hydrant flow to a safe 25 gallons per minute. When hydrants are opened without authorization, they waste 1,000 gallons of water per minute and unleash water forceful enough to risk harming children in particular. Illegally opened hydrants also lower water pressure to residents, businesses and critical facilities and can compromise firefighting operations in an emergency. New Yorkers should report leaking, running or illegally opened hydrants to 311.  

  

Outreach to Vulnerable New Yorkers  

  

Older adults, homeless New Yorkers and people with chronic health conditions are more likely to experience adverse effects from extreme heat. During a heat emergency, New York City issues targeted alerts through the City’s Advanced Warning System to activate healthcare providers and community organizations to ensure those at highest risk are protected.  

  

The City also issues a Code Red Alert, directing the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) to intensify outreach operations and encourage homeless individuals to access cool, safe indoor spaces. Outreach teams also distribute water and other essential supplies. Anyone who sees a person experiencing homelessness who may need assistance is encouraged to call 311.  

  

Celebrating on a Hot Summer Day  

  

Summer is New York City’s busiest season for public events, and the city builds heat safety into the permitting process. Through the Mayor’s Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management (CECM) and its Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO), organizers planning street festivals, plaza activations and large outdoor gatherings must have safety plans in place that include weather hazards. For events held during periods of extreme heat, the City requires event plans to account for keeping people hydrated and clear procedures for recognizing and responding to heat illness. NYCEM and partner agencies share forecast guidance and information about City resources so organizers can adjust schedules, programming and on-site support when a heat advisory or heat emergency is in effect.  

  

“Hot weather is not just uncomfortable, it can be deadly, especially for our most vulnerable neighbors. As we face earlier and more intense heat emergencies, it’s critical that New Yorkers take proactive steps to protect themselves and each other, and with Mayor Mamdani’s new PSA, we’re reminding more New Yorkers do so,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin. “Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned spaces and check in on older adults, those with chronic health conditions and others at higher risk. Together, we can prevent heat-related illnesses and save lives this summer.”  

  

“This summer will bring record-breaking heat and millions of visitors to our city, and the public health care system is ready,” said NYC Health + Hospitals System Chief of Acute Care and Emergency Preparedness Dr. David Silvestri. “All 11 of our hospitals will serve as cooling centers during Code Red heat emergencies — free, safe, welcoming spaces where anyone can come in to get relief from the heat. Heat illness can escalate quickly: early symptoms like heavy sweating, dizziness and muscle cramps can progress to life-threatening heat stroke if ignored. We urge anyone feeling the effects of extreme heat to get indoors, cool down, drink cold water and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms worsen. Our doors are open to anyone in need, without exception. We are committed to keeping the city cool and ensuring no one faces this heat alone.”  

  

“Extreme heat can pose serious health risks for older adults, which is why NYC Aging works closely with our City partners to ensure older New Yorkers have the information and resources they need to stay safe,” said Department for the Aging Commissioner Dr. Lisa Scott-McKenzie. “During heat emergencies, our network of older adult centers serves as cooling centers, offering safe, air-conditioned spaces throughout the five boroughs. We encourage older adults, caregivers, family members and neighbors to plan ahead, check in on one another and take advantage of the cooling options available across the city.”  

  

“Extreme temperatures can become dangerous very quickly,” said Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore. “The FDNY is prepared for this busy summer, and our EMTs, Paramedics, Firefighters and Officers are ready to respond whenever New Yorkers need us. We urge everyone to take precautions to help prevent life threatening emergencies and save lives.”  

  

“At NYC Parks, we provide a variety of ways to help New Yorkers deal with extreme heat — our free public beaches are open every day this summer, there are thousands of drinking fountains and hundreds of spray showers in our parks and we maintain the city’s tree canopy, providing essential shade for our city,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “Starting on June 27, our outdoor pools will offer yet another free way to beat the heat. By taking steps to prepare for extreme heat, New Yorkers can ensure they can have a safe, fun and cool summer.”  

 

“During extreme heat, it’s critical that New Yorkers stay safe and hydrated by drinking NYC's clean and delicious tap water. Also, remember it is dangerous to illegally open fire hydrants as it puts entire neighborhoods at risk,” said DEP Commissioner Lisa F. Garcia. “An illegally opened hydrant wastes more than 1,000 gallons of water per minute and sharply reduces water pressure for homes, businesses and firefighters responding to emergencies. We urge everyone to use City-approved spray caps and report illegally opened hydrants to 311. These simple steps will safeguard our water supply and help keep communities cool.” 

  

“Extreme heat is one of the most urgent climate threats facing New York City, where over 500 people die each year due to hot weather. With this summer forecasted to be hotter than average, the City is investing $2 billion in projects that protect New Yorkers from extreme heat where they live, work and spend their free time. From safer homes and cooler neighborhoods to stronger worker protections, we are building a more resilient city for all,” said NYC Chief Climate Officer Louise Yeung.  

  

“LinkNYC’s partnership with the Mamdani administration reflects a long-term commitment to keeping New Yorkers connected to the information and services they need,” said Nick Colvin, CEO of LinkNYC. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration and serving as vital communications infrastructure for the City in the years ahead.”  

  

Attorney General James Secures $36.5 Million from CVS for Defrauding Medicaid

 

AG James and Bipartisan Coalition of Attorneys General Found CVS Overbilled Medicaid for Insulin Prescriptions by Millions of Dollars

New York Attorney General Letitia James joined a bipartisan coalition of 36 other attorneys general and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) in securing $36.5 million from CVS Pharmacy, Inc. (CVS) for fraudulently overbilling Medicaid for insulin prescriptions. From 2010 to 2020, CVS knowingly dispensed more insulin to customers than they needed while maintaining that they were reporting the correct amount of insulin in their prescriptions. These fraudulent claims allowed the company to rake in millions in extra reimbursements from Medicaid for insulin distribution. Under a settlement with Attorney General James and the coalition, CVS will pay more than $25 million to state Medicaid programs across the country, including $2.25 million to New York. 

“When big companies defraud Medicaid, hardworking New Yorkers pay the price,” said Attorney General James. “Our state’s Medicaid funds should support health care for those in need, not unjustly boost the profits of big corporations like CVS. My office is focused on stopping fraud in all its forms, and I will continue to root out corporate corruption on behalf of New Yorkers.”

Insulin “pens” – a set dose of insulin in a syringe contained inside a plastic shell – are a common way for diabetic patients to give themselves the insulin they need. Patients need a prescription for these pens and receive a supply from their pharmacy that will last them a certain amount of time – often 30 or 90 days – along with instructions on how to administer the correct dose at the right frequency.

Attorney General James and the coalition’s investigation found that CVS dispensed more insulin to Medicaid recipients than their prescriptions specified and refilled insulin pen prescriptions well before they were needed. This allowed CVS to overbill Medicaid millions of dollars for more insulin than it should have been dispensing. To cover up their fraud, CVS falsely under-reported the amount of time that the supply of insulin would last and failed to comply with certain rules used to calculate refill dates. As a result of CVS’s false claims, some Medicaid recipients accumulated large quantities of unused insulin, which was both wasteful and potentially dangerous as insulin can expire.

As a result of the settlement, CVS will pay $36,500,000 to the states and federal government, including $25,108,480.45 for Medicaid programs in the participating states, and $2,257,250.51 for New York.

Joining Attorney General James in securing the settlement are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

A National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units (NAMFCU) team investigated the allegations in conjunction with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. The NAMFCU team included attorney representatives from the offices of the attorneys general for the states of New York, California, Florida, and Wisconsin. 

New York MFCU’s total funding for federal fiscal year (FY) 2026 is $70,793,651. Of that total, 75 percent, or $53,095,240, is awarded under a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $17,698,411 for FY 2026, is funded by New York State.

DEC ANNOUNCES MORE THAN $78 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING FOR WATER QUALITY PROTECTION PROJECTS ACROSS THE STATE

 

Funding Supports Updating Water Infrastructure, Combatting Harmful Algal Blooms, Protecting Drinking Water, Increasing Flood Resilience, and Treating Contamination from Landfills

Applications Due July 31

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced the availability more than $78 million for water quality improvement and protection projects. The funding is part of the millions of dollars now available through the Consolidated Funding Application recently announced by Governor Kathy Hochul for more than 20 programs to facilitate projects that advance regional strategic plans and State priorities.  

“Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership and record investments in water quality, the tremendously successful Water Quality Improvement Project program is back with another round of more than $78 million available for municipalities to ensure clean drinking water,” Commissioner Lefton said. “This program continues to be a gamechanger in helping deliver the resources needed by local governments to make crucial infrastructure upgrades, protect water sources and habitat, and build stronger, healthier communities.” 

This year, at least $75 million is available through DEC’s Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) program and up to $3 million is available through DEC’s Non-Agriculture Nonpoint Source and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)Planning Grant (NPG) program. Applications for these grants are available through the New York State’s Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) through July 31, 2025, at 4 p.m.

“This Water Quality Improvement Project funding helps advance the goals of the South Shore Estuary Reserve’s Comprehensive Management Plan and supports the continued progress we are making to protect and restore this vital ecosystem,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “Improved water quality is a key ingredient for healthy habitats and thriving wildlife throughout the estuary, and we are grateful to Governor Hochul and our partners at DEC for their continued commitment to this important work.” 

Water Quality Improvement Project Program  

The Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) program is a competitive, statewide reimbursement grant program that supports implementation projects that directly improve water quality or habitat, promote flood risk reduction, restoration, and enhanced flood and climate resiliency, or protect a drinking water source. This round of available funding includes a total of at least $75 million combined from the following sources: 2022 Clean Water, Clean Air, Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, State Environmental Protection Fund, Clean Water Infrastructure Act (CWIA), and geographic specific funding provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Long Island Sound and Lake Champlain watersheds. The following project types are eligible for 2022 Clean Water, Clean Air, Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act funding: non-agricultural nonpoint source abatement and control, dam safety repair/rehabilitation and dam removal, aquatic connectivity, marine district habitat restoration, and fish and wildlife habitat restoration and enhancement.  

In WQIP, maximum grant awards range from $100,000 to $15 million depending on the project type and population served, as identified in the application. Municipalities, including Indian Nations, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and not-for-profit corporations are eligible to apply. Nine different project types are available for implementation funding in 2026, including: 

• Wastewater treatment improvement, including abatement of combined sewer overflows; 
• Non-agricultural nonpoint source pollution abatement and control, including green infrastructure projects;  
• Vacuum trucks for municipal separate storm sewer systems;  
• Land acquisition for drinking water source water protection; 
• Salt storage and road salt reduction practices; 
• Dam safety repair, rehabilitation, and removal; 
• Aquatic connectivity; 
• Marine District habitat restoration;  
• Fish and wildlife habitat restoration and enhancement; and  
• Landfill leachate treatment 

Earlier this year, more than $200 million in WQIP grants  supported projects including municipal wastewater treatment upgrades, abatement and control of polluted runoff, land acquisition projects for drinking water protection, salt storage construction and road salt reduction practices, aquatic connectivity restoration, fish and wildlife habitat restoration and enhancement, and marine district habitat restoration. 

Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Planning   

DEC’s Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Planning Grant (NPG) funds projects that help pay for the initial planning of non-agricultural nonpoint source water quality improvement projects, such as undersized culvert replacements and green infrastructure technologies, State permit-required stormwater system mapping, and stormwater management program planning in urban areas. These projects will reduce the amount of polluted stormwater and runoff entering lakes, rivers and streams, and improve resiliency against the impacts of climate change.  

In NPG, maximum grant awards range from $50,000 to $75,000 for the Nonpoint Source Planning category depending on the report type, $75,000 to $400,000 for the MS4 Mapping category depending on whether the application is on behalf of a collaborative, as identified in the program overview, and up to $50,000 for MS4 Stormwater Management Program planning. There is no minimum award amount. Municipalities, including Indian Nations and Soil and Water Conservation Districts, are eligible to apply for this opportunity. Funding for this program is supported by the State's EPF. 

Interested potential applicants can learn more about the WQIP and NPG programs by attending a webinar hosted by DEC scheduled for June 8 at 1:00 p.m. There will be time available for questions. Registration is required.   

For additional program information and requirements, including maximum award amounts, required match, and descriptions of project types or eligible grant categories, view DEC's WQIP and NPG webpages. 

New York's Commitment to Water Quality 

New York State continues to increase its nation-leading investments in water infrastructure. The recently Enacted 2026-27 budget includes the Governor’s historic $750 million one-year commitment to clean water, with $525 million for Clean Water Infrastructure Act funding, $175 million for water infrastructure projects to promote housing, and $50 million for water infrastructure projects to promote housing in rural communities. The budget also reaffirms New York’s commitment to environmental leadership by appropriating $425 million to the EPF, using $25 million from the Sustainable Future Program to provide a record $450 million for important environmental programs. 

DEC continues to partner with the State Environmental Facilities Corporation’s (EFC) Community Assistance Teams to help local governments, with a focus on small, rural and disadvantaged communities, leverage this funding and address their clean water infrastructure needs. Any community needing assistance with water infrastructure projects is encouraged to contact EFC. 

Municipalities are encouraged to search the Funding Finder to see other open opportunities for grants and other programs promoting water quality, increase resiliency, preventing flooding, among other climate impacts. Applications are due June 12 for Green Resiliency Grants and June 26 for Resilient Watershed and Community Resilience and Flood Risk Reduction grants. 

About the Consolidated Funding Application 

The Consolidated Funding Application was created to streamline and expedite the grant application process. The CFA process marks a fundamental shift in the way state resources are allocated, ensuring less bureaucracy and greater efficiency to fulfill local economic development needs. The CFA serves as the single-entry point for access to economic development funding, ensuring applicants no longer have to slowly navigate multiple agencies and sources without any mechanism for coordination. Now, economic development projects use the CFA as a support mechanism to access multiple state funding sources through one application, making the process quicker, easier, and more productive. Learn more about the CFA here.