Communities across New York’s Great Lakes basin can now apply for a share of $200,000 to fund projects that protect local land and water.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and New York Sea Grant announced the funding to support work that follows New York’s Great Lakes Action Agenda, with a focus on ecosystem-based solutions to local challenges.
“The Great Lakes are vital to our region by supporting vibrant ecosystems, clean drinking water, and local economies,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “These grants announced today provide another boost to support locally driven efforts that benefit New York’s Great Lakes communities and protect this vital resource.”
Projects must align with goals in the Great Lakes Action Agenda and appear in locally supported plans tied to water quality, natural resources, or sustainable land use.
“This partnership between New York Sea Grant and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation provides communities in New York’s Great Lakes region with funding for projects that are increasing their resilience and enhancing their local environment and ecosystem resources,” said Katherine Bunting-Howarth, associate director of New York Sea Grant.
Eligible applicants include municipalities, Indian Nations, nonprofit organizations, regional planning councils, soil and water conservation districts, and educational institutions. The funding comes through the New York Great Lakes Basin Small Grants Program, supported by the State Environmental Protection Fund.
New York Sea Grant administers the program in partnership with DEC’s Great Lakes Program under the New York Ocean and Great Lakes Ecosystem Conservation Act.
New York Sea Grant will host an informational webinar on Jan. 27 at noon to walk applicants through project requirements and the application process. Applications are due March 27 at 4:30 p.m., with materials available through New York Sea Grant and additional information through DEC.
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