Communities and organizations in the Hudson River estuary watershed can apply for a share of $1.25 million in state grants for climate adaptation, stream restoration, river access and environmental education. Applications are due December 17.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation outlined four funding opportunities in its September 24 announcement. Projects must align with the department's 2026-2030 Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda, and awards are limited to work in the estuary watershed.
The largest allocation, about $400,000, is for tributary restoration and resiliency. It can support dam removal, engineering and initial risk assessments, as well as stream-crossing design and replacement. DEC said projects that benefit river herring and American eel and are closest in sequence to tidal waters will receive priority. Individual awards range from $10,500 to $200,000.
About $350,000 is available for local stewardship planning. Eligible work includes climate-adaptation plans, conservation plans for habitats and connected natural areas, and watershed-based planning for Hudson River tributaries. The category also allows public engagement and policy studies. Awards range from $10,500 to $50,000.
Access and education funding
The river-access category offers about $250,000 for improvements that make sites more resilient to flooding and sea-level rise or more accessible to people with disabilities. DEC identified swimming, boating, fishing and wildlife-viewing sites among the possible projects. Individual grants range from $10,500 to $100,000.
Another $250,000 is set aside for river education. Eligible projects include local learning facilities, educational programs and resources, professional development or curriculum work for educators, and intensive environmental science research programs for young adults. Awards in that category range from $20,000 to $100,000.
Together, the four requests for applications cover planning, physical restoration, public access and learning, rather than a single type of construction project. Applicants will need to use the requirements for the category that fits their proposed work; the funding ranges and eligible activities differ among them.
How to apply
DEC will hold webinars on project eligibility and the application process October 8 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Registration is available through the agency's Hudson River Estuary grants page. The department said recordings will be posted online for those who cannot attend live.
The application deadline for all four opportunities is December 17. DEC did not announce awards in the release; it announced funding available for applicants to seek.
The grants are funded through New York's Environmental Protection Fund. DEC said the Hudson River Estuary Grants Program is in its 23rd year and has awarded more than 680 grants totaling over $31.7 million to date. The state's 2026-27 budget increased the Environmental Protection Fund to $450 million, according to the department.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said the new round is intended to help Hudson River communities adapt to climate risks while restoring and protecting estuary ecosystems. The announcement came during Climate Week and National Estuaries Week.
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