In-Lake Grant Program

Chautauqua County’s In-Lake Grant Program is part of the county’s Occupancy Tax Program for Lakes and Waterways, which allocates two-fifths of the county’s 5% bed tax for environmental enhancement and protection of lakes and streams. The In-Lake Grant Program focuses on in-lake projects in five specific lakes: Bear, Cassadaga, Findley, Chautauqua, and Lake Erie. This program is administered by the Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development, which also manages the grant selection and oversight processes. It is grounded in New York State legislation enabling counties to use tourism-derived funds to support lake health and recreational value. The program’s primary objective is to fund activities that improve tourism and recreation through the direct enhancement of lake health and accessibility. Eligible project categories include shoreline maintenance, mechanical or biological submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) management, chemical SAV management, invasive species management, harmful algal bloom mitigation, and dredging and flood mitigation. There is also support for new or unique in-lake projects that may not fit into predefined categories but are expected to yield significant tourism or recreational benefits. Each funded project must contribute to measurable improvements in lake usability, aesthetics, or safety and must provide a clear public benefit. Funding is competitive, and applications are evaluated based on narrative quality, expected tourism and recreation impacts, stakeholder collaboration, and additional leveraged funding. Applications are ranked and reviewed internally by county planning staff, followed by the County Executive and Chairman of the County Legislature. Top-ranking applications are included in the County Executive’s proposed budget and considered for funding in the following fiscal year. Applicants must limit each submission to a single project category per lake and are encouraged to develop projects that involve multiple stakeholders to improve impact and cost-effectiveness. Award amounts for this program range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $50,000 per project. A formal agreement will be signed between the County and the awardee outlining terms such as use of funds, insurance requirements, access for inspections, and reporting obligations. Funds are reimbursable and only applicable to costs incurred after the agreement is fully executed. Recipients must also secure all required environmental permits and comply with the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). Applications for the 2027 funding cycle are due by April 1, 2026, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Projects selected for funding must be completed by December 31, 2026, with the possibility of written extension requests through the end of 2027, subject to approval. Reporting is required throughout the project lifecycle, including photographic documentation and a final report with detailed financials due within 60 days of project completion. This reporting ensures alignment with the approved scope of services, timeline, and budget. The application package includes several required elements: a one-page narrative, a statement of impact on tourism and recreation, a stakeholder collaboration section, a location map, aerial project plans, up to six photographs showing project need, the SEQR Part 1 form, and a detailed budget worksheet. Applications can be submitted digitally or in hard copy to the Watershed Coordinator at the Department of Planning and Development. As this is a recurring annual opportunity, applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the county’s evaluation rubric and guidelines to prepare compelling and complete proposals.

Submit applications that collaborate with multiple stakeholders and clearly link to tourism and recreation outcomes for higher scores.