Source Water Buffer Program

The Source Water Buffer Program (RFA 0181) is a conservation-focused funding initiative administered by the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee (SWCC) in coordination with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. It is funded through the Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017 and reauthorized in subsequent state budgets, including the 2018–2019 budget cycle. With a total of $5 million in funding available, the program aims to protect active public drinking water sources throughout New York State by supporting the acquisition of conservation easements and the implementation of vegetated or forested riparian buffer systems on agricultural lands. These buffers help filter surface runoff and shallow groundwater to safeguard water quality in aquifers, reservoirs, lakes, rivers, and streams that supply public drinking water. The program specifically targets agricultural lands directly adjacent to surface or groundwater sources used for public drinking water. Eligible project types include the purchase of 50-year or perpetual conservation easements, the implementation of riparian buffer systems, and the enhancement or maintenance of pre-existing buffers. These conservation easements must meet specific criteria: for example, the buffer area must prohibit agricultural and recreational use (except for limited water access) and meet the required minimum widths based on Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) standards. Easements must also fall within a 1,000-foot radius of wellhead protection areas or aquifer sinkholes. Allowable land uses in designated farm areas (within the easement) are limited to prescribed grazing, haying, or pasturing, with additional restrictions in sensitive groundwater zones. Applicants must be New York State Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), either individually or as a consortium, serving as project sponsors. They may apply on behalf of eligible farm operators or landowners leasing to eligible farm operations. Projects require that participating farms have completed Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Tier 1 and Tier 2 assessments. Easement areas must clearly demonstrate their relevance to a drinking water source and must include a buffer area. Project applications that include farm areas within easements must ensure those farm areas do not exceed 50% of the total operated acreage. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed in the order received. Awards will be made quarterly until funds are exhausted. Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive package through the NYS SWCC Sharepoint system, including forms SW-1 through SW-5, a project narrative, personnel assignments, easement cost calculations, detailed mapping, cultural resource and water assessment documentation, stewardship fee policies, and documentation of landowner match commitments. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Funding can be used for conservation easement purchases, baseline documentation, legal and transaction costs, easement stewardship fees, implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs), and engineering or architectural services. The state will cover up to 75% of eligible project costs, with the remaining 25% match required from landowners, operators, or sponsors in the form of cash or in-kind services. All projects must demonstrate a match before funding is finalized. Matching contributions must occur within the contract period and are not retroactively applicable. The timeline for a funded project spans five years. Upon contract approval, initial payments include 50% of transactional costs. Subsequent disbursements are triggered by milestones, such as title certification, recorded easements, and implementation of BMPs. Interim and final payments correspond to deliverables like site plans, recorded documents, and final reports including photos, procurement records, and financial summaries. Applicants must comply with NYS contracting requirements, including electronic payments and adherence to the Master Contract for Grants. For program questions, applicants are directed to contact Bethany Bzduch of the NYS Soil & Water Conservation Committee at [email protected] or call (518) 457-3738.

Ensure buffer areas meet NRCS standards and water source connection is clearly demonstrated. All components must be submitted to avoid disqualification.