Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of the New York State Adaptation and Resilience Plan, a major statewide initiative to help communities better prepare for extreme weather events fueled by climate change. The plan will unify ongoing state climate adaptation efforts, provide shared direction, and foster collaboration across all regions of New York.
Each year, extreme storms cause more than $1 billion in damages across New York. This new plan will support investments that safeguard infrastructure, homes, and natural resources, while equipping local leaders with the tools and funding needed for future risks.
What the resilience plan includes
The initiative will:
- Establish a statewide vision and principles for climate adaptation.
- Align and strengthen current projects like shoreline restoration, flood-prone roadway relocation, and dam upgrades.
- Conduct a gap analysis of existing programs to find opportunities for improvement.
- Engage state agencies, local governments, and community organizations in collaborative planning.
The effort is being coordinated by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Department of State (DOS), Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), and New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), along with additional partners.
Public engagement begins summer 2025
State officials will host webinars beginning in summer 2025 to gather feedback. Further virtual and in-person events will follow, offering residents, businesses, and local governments multiple opportunities to shape the plan.
The plan’s official website will post updates, engagement opportunities, and public resources.
Immediate funding and resources available
New York has already committed major funding to resilience efforts, including:
- Climate Smart Communities Grant Program
- Green Resiliency Grant Program
- Resilient Watershed Grants
- Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act programs
Other support includes the Climate Impacts Assessment research initiative, the Smart Growth Countywide Resiliency Planning program, and the Extreme Heat Action Plan.
More resources and funding opportunities can be found through the Environmental Bond Act Funding Finder.
New York’s broader climate goals
The resilience plan builds on New York’s wider climate agenda, which targets an emissions-free economy by 2050. Key goals include reducing harmful pollution, slashing household energy bills, creating green jobs, and ensuring at least 35% of benefits reach disadvantaged communities.
Governor Hochul recently announced the $1 billion Sustainable Future Program, which will accelerate clean energy investments across the state.
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