Walden recently attended a workshop presented by the NY Regional Economic Development Council to learn more about available funding for environmental projects. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is now offering grants to fund green projects for municipalities, non-profit organizations, and private entities. The 2017 round of funding has a host of new changes compared to the 2016 program. Walden’s staff of engineers, geologists and environmental scientists have significant grant writing experience and can help you identify grant opportunities and prepare applications for funding.
Wastewater Infrastructure Engineering Planning Grant
The DEC has allocated $3 million to help municipalities all over New York State move forward with wastewater infrastructure projects. This year, municipalities within Long Island, New York City, and the Mid-Hudson Regions are eligible to apply for 80% project grant funding, provided that the 2015 median household income is under $85,000, as opposed to the 2016 cap of $65,000 (which still applies to the rest of New Yok State). This funding is earmarked specifically for the generation of wastewater infrastructure improvement related engineering reports. Eligible studies could include leaking pipe detection, septic system alternatives, selection of disinfectant methods, potential outfall extensions, or other options to bolster a municipality’s ability to transport or treat wastewater.
Environmental Facilities Corporation Green Innovation Grant Program
Available to municipalities and private entities, the Green Innovation Grant Program offers 40% to 90% matching funding from the DEC for projects that implement biological infrastructure to storm water challenges including bioretention, improve the heat island effect, protect against flooding, divert water from municipal storm sewers, or a plethora of other projects. Walden’s team of professionals can assist in evaluating appropriate green infrastructure strategies for your municipality or business and get the grant writing underway. We can aid in creating all necessary elements of the application including a feasibility study, description of existing conditions, and a design concept plan. The DEC has set aside $15 million in Green Innovation Grant funding this year.
Water Quality Improvement Project Grant
Municipal entities or not-for-profit organizations are eligible for grants to improve wastewater treatment, source water protection, and salt storage within New York State. Numerous activities fall under the scope of this grant, including streambank stabilization, nutrient control projects, land acquisition for source water protection, winter salt storage upgrades, road-stream crossing improvements, wetland management, and municipal storm sewer system mapping, to name a few. An unprecedented $87 million in funding through this program is available this year.
Applications for these grants must be submitted through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) by July 28th (https://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/). Walden can help you evaluate these and other available funding programs. We have written many successful grants resulting in funding awards, enabling our clients to implement projects that would not have been possible otherwise. Give Walden a call at (516) 624-7200 to discuss how we can help get your project off its feet.