Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled $80 million in new grant funding aimed at strengthening New York State’s climate resilience. The funds, drawn from the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022, will support local projects that mitigate the risks of flooding, protect infrastructure, and enhance natural habitats.
“With $80 million now available from the Environmental Bond Act, communities statewide will be able to take necessary steps to protect flood-prone areas, safeguard infrastructure, and ensure the safety of their homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure,” Hochul said in a statement.
The funding will be distributed through three new grant programs, each designed to help municipalities and organizations implement nature-based and green infrastructure solutions. The largest portion, $45 million, will be allocated through the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Resilient Watersheds Grant Program, which focuses on flood risk reduction and ecological restoration. Another $20 million will go toward the Department of State’s (DOS) Coastal Rehabilitation and Resilience Projects Program, which prioritizes nature-based solutions for shoreline communities. The remaining $15 million will fund the DOS Inland Flooding and Local Waterfront Revitalization Implementation Projects Program, aimed at protecting inland communities from the growing threat of extreme weather.
New York officials emphasized the long-term benefits of these investments. DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar called the initiative “a historic investment in community resilience,” while Environmental Facilities Corporation President Maureen A. Coleman stressed the importance of safeguarding critical water infrastructure.
Applications for the grant programs are now open and can be submitted through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) portal until June 6. A webinar for potential applicants will be held on March 12.
The funding aligns with Hochul’s broader climate agenda, which includes a $1 billion investment in sustainability and climate adaptation efforts. To date, approximately $1.25 billion of the Environmental Bond Act has been allocated, marking a significant step toward New York’s goal of an emissions-free economy by 2050.
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