Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP)

The Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) Program is administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), a state agency dedicated to the conservation, improvement, and protection of New York's natural resources and environment. The WQIP is a competitive statewide reimbursement grant program that supports projects aimed at enhancing water quality or habitat, reducing flood risks, improving climate resiliency, and protecting sources of drinking water. With its roots in New York State’s commitment to environmental stewardship, this program is a central tool for addressing pollution and ecosystem degradation through community-level interventions. The primary objective of the WQIP program is to fund projects that directly improve water quality or habitat or serve related goals such as restoration and flood risk reduction. This includes a wide range of project types, such as wastewater treatment improvement, non-agricultural nonpoint source pollution abatement, the use of vacuum trucks in MS4 areas, salt storage, road salt reduction, dam safety repairs or removals, land acquisition for source water protection, aquatic connectivity, and habitat restoration in marine districts or for fish and wildlife. By investing in these varied project categories, WQIP aims to support infrastructure and conservation initiatives that have measurable impacts on New York State’s waterways and ecosystems. Each eligible project type under the WQIP requires a local match of 25% of the awarded amount. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, meaning recipients must incur costs and then request repayment. The WQIP supports applicants including municipalities (such as counties, cities, towns, villages, Indian Nations, and other public authorities), Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and eligible not-for-profit corporations, though the types of projects each applicant can pursue vary. For instance, not-for-profit organizations are only eligible to apply for specific project types, including land acquisition for source water protection, aquatic connectivity, dam safety repair/removal, and habitat restoration. Applicants must submit their proposals through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) portal. The Round 21 application cycle has concluded, with awards expected in December 2025. The Round 22 cycle is anticipated to open in Spring 2026. All applicants must be registered in the NYS Statewide Financial System (SFS) to be considered eligible to receive funding. Extensive application resources are available for each project category, outlining eligibility, scoring criteria, priorities, and submission instructions. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the WQIP Round 21 Program Overview and the accompanying Q&A document for more detailed guidance. Submissions are evaluated based on how effectively proposed projects meet the program’s goals, including demonstrated improvement to water quality, support for ecosystem restoration, and the applicant’s capacity to implement the project. The program does not appear to require Letters of Intent or other pre-application submissions for eligibility. Applicants with questions about the program are directed to contact the NYSDEC’s Division of Water via the official grant inbox at [email protected] or by calling 518-402-8179. All materials and updates, including awards and program changes, are accessible through DEC’s Water Grants Data Portal. The next round for the application period (Round 22) is expected to open Spring 2026. Applicants should begin early engagement by reviewing past projects, preparing documentation, and confirming eligibility within their respective categories. This preparation is vital for successful participation when the application window opens.