NY DEC Announces Grants Available for Water Quality Improvement Projects

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan announced that funding applications are now being accepted for Water Quality Improvement Projects (WQIPs) throughout the state.

Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2006.

”Since 1995, New York State has provided billions of dollars to communities across the state to upgrade wastewater treatment infrastructure and vastly improve water quality in our rivers, streams, lakes and marine waters," Commissioner Sheehan said. "This year we will continue to provide municipalities with the resources they need to continue the progress that we have made in protecting and enhancing water quality."

Statewide, the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) will provide $11.7 million in State Fiscal Year 2005-06 funding for nonpoint source abatement and control projects through a joint program managed by DEC and the State Department of Agriculture and Markets (DAM). A portion of the non-agricultural nonpoint source funds will be available to assist regulated communities across the state with implementation of Storm Water Phase II requirements through DEC. A portion of the fund will also be used for agricultural nonpoint source projects which were the subject of a recent, separate call for projects through DAM.

Since 1995, New York has committed more than $9.6 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.

Applications for Municipal Separate Storm Water Sewer Systems (MS4s) Storm Water Phase II Permit Implementation and Nonagricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control projects submitted in April, 2005 (Round 7), will be rolled over and considered in Round 8.

In addition, MS4 applicants from Round 7 may request additional funding in Round 8.

Application materials for Water Quality Improvement Projects have been mailed to each municipality in New York State. Copies are also available by calling (518) 402-8236 or at www.dec.state.ny.us/website/bondact/bamenu.html on DEC's website. All project applications must be postmarked by March 31, 2006.

Source: NYDEC