New York announces $300 million for projects to combat climate change

New York is making $300 million in grant funding available to several projects designed to help communities combat pollution, flooding, extreme heat and other effects of climate change.

Gov. Kathy Hochul made the announcement at the Vatican during a three-day joint summit on climate change hosted by Pope Francis.

“Climate change is a global crisis that demands a response from all fronts, and New York continues to lead through our climate initiatives,” said Hochul, who delivered an address at the summit.

The funds will be made available through several programs in New York state that support local resilience projects. Grant applications are due July 31.

At least $215 million will be available through the New York Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) program. The WQIP is a competitive, statewide reimbursement grant program that supports implementation projects that directly improve water quality or habitat; promote flood risk reduction, restoration, and enhanced flood and climate resiliency; or protect a drinking water source.

Other funding sources include:

• $22.5 million is available through the DEC’s Climate Smart Communities program to help communities battle the effects of climate change. Eligible projects can include reducing flood risk and emissions from food waste, relocating or retrofitting critical infrastructure, and climate change planning and assessment. A 50% match is required.
• $14 million communities to develop and implement local waterfront programs and watershed management plans that promote smart, sustainable, and resilient community-driven planning and project development. Priority will be given to projects that preserve, restore or enhance the natural environment; catalyze the revitalization of waterfronts, and ultimately make communities more resilient to severe weather events.
• Up to $10 million is available through the state’s Commercial and Industrial Carbon Challenge. Funding for this program is supported by the state’s 10-year, $6 billion Clean Energy Fund. Awardees are required to pursue project types that include beneficial electrification; carbon capture, utilization and/or storage; low-carbon fuel use and manufacturing process emission reduction.
• Up to $10 million through the state’s Building Cleaner Communities Competition. The competition will support projects that accelerate decarbonization and economic development across New York State. Projects may support decarbonization at either community or facility levels.