New York officials last week announced $23 million in grants to help improve water quality across the state while mitigating the effects of climate change.
Through the state’s Environmental Facilities Corporation’s Green Innovation Grant Program, $20.8 million is being awarded to 17 projects that incorporate green stormwater infrastructure, as well as implement energy and water efficiency measures in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. An additional $2.5 million in Engineering Planning Grants will help jumpstart planning for 56 water infrastructure projects.
The funding is part of the $750 million announced for Round XI of the Governor’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Of the 17 Green Innovation Grant Program projects, 13 projects worth $17.9 million will impact Environmental Justice Communities.
"To improve water quality for communities across New York, we must take action to ensure the resiliency of our infrastructure," Governor Kathy Hochul said. “These grants remove the financial barriers for local governments to invest in critical water infrastructure projects. New York will continue to prioritize funding for low-income communities and expand access to clean water, supporting our state’s economic growth and improving public health.”
“EFC is pleased that 86 percent of the green grants announced today will have a positive impact on environmental justice communities,” said EFC President & CEO Maureen Coleman. “The planning grants are being awarded at an opportune time as communities begin to prepare for the federal water infrastructure funding, much of which will flow through the State Revolving Fund programs administered by EFC.”
The Green Innovation Grant Program (GIGP) supports projects across the state that utilize unique EPA-designated green stormwater infrastructure design and create cutting-edge green technologies. Competitive grants are awarded annually to projects that improve water quality and mitigate the effects of climate change through the implementation of green practices, including green stormwater infrastructure, energy efficiency, and water efficiency.
Engineering Planning Grants (EPG) help eligible communities afford and start the critical planning process so they can be better prepared to seek financing to help them complete their water infrastructure projects. Grants of up to $100,000 are available to develop an engineering report that identifies problems and potential solutions. These grants have helped municipalities across the state to complete 350 engineering reports since the program’s inception in 2012.
Some project highlights are provided below — a full list of the funded GIGP and EPG projects can be found here.
GIGP Projects:
Albany Water Board – $1,250,000 to install bioretention and a constructed wetland. These green infrastructure practices will treat stormwater and protect the water quality of the Hudson River.
The Mulford Corporation – $900,000 to install bioretention, stormwater street trees and downspout disconnection to treat stormwater at six Municipal Housing Authority Projects in the City of Yonkers.
South End Development LLC – $2,345,000 to install bioretention, a green roof, and a rainwater harvest and reuse system. These green infrastructure practices will reduce stormwater runoff in the City of Albany and protect the water quality of the Hudson River.
City of Fulton – $1,030,000 to install bioretention, porous pavement and a riparian buffer to treat stormwater along the Erie Canal.
Barcalo Buffalo LLC – $530,000 to install bioretention, stormwater street trees, a green roof, as well as a harvest and reuse system at their new mixed use development project. The green infrastructure practices will help to improve the water quality in the City of Buffalo.
Erie County – $1,305,000 to install bioretention, stormwater street trees and porous pavement at the Seneca Bluffs Natural Habitat Park. The green infrastructure practices will help improve the water quality in the City of Buffalo.
Village of Mohawk – $1,550,000 to restore the floodplain of Minnow Brook. This project will further protect the resiliency of the Fulmer Creek watershed.
Green-Wood Cemetery, New York City – $1,775,000 to install bioretention and a harvest and reuse system. This project will reduce stormwater runoff to the surrounding combined sewer areas, while also decreasing the potable water usage from the New York City Water Supply System.
EPG Projects:
Village of Yorkville – $100,000 to evaluate sources of inflow and infiltration in order to eliminate sanitary sewer overflows at the Sauquoit Creek Pump Station, evaluate alternatives and recommend improvements to the wastewater collection system.
City of Mount Vernon – $100,000 to evaluate the condition of the municipal separate stormwater sewer system, evaluate alternatives and recommend improvements to the storm sewer system.
Town of AuSable – $30,000 to evaluate stormwater system rehabilitation and green infrastructure alternatives and recommend improvements to the stormwater collection system.
