Chautauqua County Watershed Grant Program

The Watershed Grant Program, funded through a portion of Chautauqua County's 5% occupancy or "bed tax," is one of two targeted initiatives supporting environmental enhancement and recreational development in the region's key water bodies. The program uses two-fifths (2%) of the total bed tax collected to support lakes and streams, including Lake Erie, Chautauqua Lake, Findley Lake, Bear Lake, and Cassadaga Lakes. Managed by Chautauqua County Planning and Development, the Watershed Grant Program seeks to finance watershed improvement projects that provide clear public benefits and contribute to local tourism and recreation. The Watershed Grant Program specifically funds activities within the watershed areas of the aforementioned lakes. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, streambank and lakeshore stabilization, management of stormwater and agricultural runoff, and other water quality improvement efforts. The initiative supports collaborations among governmental agencies, not-for-profit organizations, schools, businesses, and individual landowners within the county. Importantly, private and public schools may apply under the Watershed Grant Program, though this provision does not extend to the related In-Lake Grant Program. Each funded project enters into a formal agreement with Chautauqua County, detailing use of funds, payment schedules, required reporting, insurance requirements, and conditions for cancellation. A key requirement is compliance with the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), including obtaining necessary permits. Costs are only reimbursed for expenditures incurred after the agreement is finalized and signed by both parties. The County Watershed Coordinator is granted site access for project verification and oversight throughout the implementation period. Applications for the 2027 cycle of the Watershed Grant Program are due by 4:00 p.m. on April 1, 2026. Funded projects must be completed by December 31, 2026. Extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis but cannot extend beyond December 31, 2027. Reporting is required at several stages of the project, including initiation, progress milestones, and completion. A final report, including photographic and financial documentation, must be submitted within 60 days of project conclusion to trigger final payment. Applications are evaluated by senior staff within the Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development using a detailed rubric that considers water quality benefits, erosion and sedimentation control, riparian buffers, ecological value, tourism and recreation impacts, project feasibility, partnerships, and leveraging of other funding sources. A ranked list of proposals is submitted to the County Executive and Chairman of the County Legislature. Approved projects are included in the County Executive’s proposed 2026 budget and subsequently reviewed and approved by the County Legislature. The 2027 cycle continues an established annual tradition of grantmaking through this program, reinforcing the county's commitment to enhancing its natural resources and recreational assets. The grant is highly competitive and applicants are encouraged to demonstrate measurable environmental benefits, strategic partnerships, and alignment with broader county goals. Additional forms, including the Operation & Maintenance Agreement, Environmental Assessment Form, and Ranking Sheet, are required as part of the submission package and can be accessed from the program’s official website.

Submit applications with detailed narratives showing water quality benefits and tourism impact. Collaborate with multiple stakeholders and leverage external funds to increase competitiveness.