Town of East Hampton Water Quality Improvement Grant

The Town of East Hampton is offering grant funding through its Community Preservation Fund (CPF) Water Quality Improvement Program (WQIP), as part of its ongoing effort to support projects that measurably improve water quality in the region. Administered by the East Hampton Town Board and the CPF Water Quality Technical Advisory Committee (WQTAC), the program draws from up to 20 percent of proceeds from the CPF, which is funded by a two-percent real estate transfer tax. Originally created in 1999 and extended through 2050 via referendum, the CPF has raised over $1 billion for land preservation, and a portion is now allocated for critical water quality initiatives. The primary aim of this bi-annual grant program is to fund projects that address pollutant abatement, wastewater treatment upgrades, aquatic habitat restoration, and pollution prevention, among other eligible categories. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate significant and measurable improvements to local water bodies, align with East Hampton’s Water Quality Improvement Plan, and are located in areas such as the Water Protection District or the Harbor Protection Overlay District. Projects must also have a demonstrated useful life of at least five years, be feasible under current conditions, and utilize proven technologies. Eligibility is inclusive, permitting applications from East Hampton Town departments, incorporated villages, nonprofit organizations, and commercial entities. The program explicitly requires that wastewater treatment upgrade applicants be the property owners. All applicants must provide a complete proposal with technical narratives, site maps, relevant certificates or permits, cost estimates, and, where applicable, letters of support. Proposals for on-site wastewater treatment must include design specifications, density data, and expected nitrogen reduction figures. In addition to environmental impact, applicants are evaluated on their readiness to implement the project and their experience in project management and execution. Applications for Round 1 of the 2026 WQIP funding cycle open on December 15, 2025, and close on February 16, 2026 at 3:00 PM. Proposals must be submitted digitally via email or on a physical USB drive. Hard copies are not required. Once submitted, applications will be reviewed and scored by the WQTAC based on defined criteria. Selected projects will be recommended to the Town Board and will undergo a public hearing before funding is finalized. While no match is required for most projects, those involving sewering must secure external funding. Projects that include additional contributions—through grants, in-kind support, or local investment—are viewed more favorably during evaluation. Applicants are required to include a variety of supporting materials, including a signed letter of intent, SEQR environmental assessment forms, and budget documentation. The application packet also includes detailed questionnaires about technology used, project location, pollutant reduction, community engagement, educational components, and long-term sustainability, including adaptation to sea level rise or flooding concerns. Although the availability of a second round in 2026 is uncertain and dependent on the allocation of Round 1 funds, this recurring program reflects the Town of East Hampton’s strategic commitment to safeguarding water resources through responsible stewardship and community engagement. For inquiries or to submit an application, contact the Natural Resources Department via [email protected] or call 631-324-0496.