New York State has awarded more than $29.4 million in grants for 29 water quality and climate resiliency projects across Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties. The funding supports a broader investment of over $265 million recently announced by Governor Kathy Hochul to improve drinking water infrastructure, enhance climate resilience, address harmful algal blooms, and ensure access to clean water statewide.
The grants are administered through programs managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC), with funding from sources such as the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act and the Environmental Protection Fund. The main programs include the Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP), Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Mapping Grant (NPG), and Resilient Watersheds Grant (RWG).
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton stated: “Since taking office, and most recently in the 2026 State of the State, Governor Hochul continues to provide unprecedented resources to invest in climate resiliency and water infrastructure to support communities across the State. With more than $265 million from multiple programs, including $185 million supporting improvements in environmental justice communities, the awarded projects will help our municipal partners achieve meaningful reductions in flood risk, protect drinking water, improve aquatic habitat, and safeguard residents from increasingly severe weather events.”
EFC President and CEO Maureen Coleman said: “Governor Hochul is investing billions in water infrastructure every year to help local governments affordably advance crucial water quality and resiliency projects. By pairing Environmental Bond Act funding with other State program funding to support new and signature programs, every dollar goes further and brings New York closer to a safer, more sustainable future. The new Resilient Watersheds Grant program will jumpstart flood-mitigation projects in some of the most at-risk communities while creating good-paying jobs that drive local economies.”
Specific projects funded include wastewater treatment plant upgrades in Chazy; culvert replacements for improved aquatic connectivity in several counties; salt storage facilities aimed at reducing road salt runoff; dam removals to reduce flood risks; stream restoration efforts; mapping initiatives for stormwater systems; habitat enhancements for native fish species; construction of green infrastructure feasibility studies; among others.
In total statewide allocations this round:
– More than $208 million was distributed via DEC’s WQIP grant program to 131 projects that aim to directly improve water quality or habitat while enhancing climate resilience.
– Through DEC’s NPG program, $2.9 million went to 44 projects focusing on planning efforts such as culvert replacements or storm sewer mapping designed to limit polluted runoff.
– An additional $55 million supported 24 climate resiliency initiatives through EFC’s RWG program targeting floodplain restoration, dam removal, culvert upgrades, property buyouts and other measures identified by state-led watershed studies.
Governor Hochul has proposed a five-year commitment totaling $3.75 billion—$750 million annually—to modernize New York’s water systems as outlined in her 2026 State of the State plan. This builds on past investments since 2017 that have reached $6 billion for clean water infrastructure improvements such as replacing old mains or removing lead pipes.
The Environmental Bond Act approved by voters on November 8, 2022 provides up to $4.2 billion for similar efforts across agencies. To date $1.9 billion has been invested under this initiative toward safeguarding drinking water sources and building community resilience against climate change impacts.
Some grants were issued through New York’s Consolidated Funding Application process which allows applicants streamlined access to various state funding opportunities via a single application portal.
