Resilient Watersheds Grant

The Resilient Watersheds Grant (RWG) is a competitive statewide initiative created to provide critical funding for flood mitigation projects across New York State. Developed through a partnership between the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the program is a core component of the broader Resilient NY strategy. This program responds to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and the flooding threats that jeopardize infrastructure, public safety, ecosystems, and communities throughout the state. RWG supports municipalities and other eligible entities in implementing engineered and nature-based projects that mitigate flooding impacts while promoting ecological health. Projects funded under the RWG may include, but are not limited to, floodplain and wetland restoration, culvert right-sizing, removal of berms, dams, or appurtenant structures, stream daylighting, stream bank restoration, and riparian buffer stabilization. These interventions are designed to reduce damage to residential and commercial properties, protect public and private infrastructure, minimize the risk of environmental pollution caused by flooding, and create resilient green spaces that serve both people and wildlife. Funding for the RWG is drawn from the Environmental Bond Act, with $60 million allocated for flood mitigation implementation. Awards under this program range from a minimum of $150,000 to a maximum of $10,000,000. A local match of 10% is required, and disbursements are made on a cost-incurred basis. Applicants must demonstrate readiness by possessing either a finalized Resilient NY report or a DEC-approved comparable flood study. Applicants without finalized studies must submit their comparable study for approval by June 5, 2026. The program is open to a range of eligible entities including local governments, Indian nations, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, not-for-profit organizations, and New York State agencies. To be eligible, applicants must maintain site ownership or control for the entire useful life of the proposed project, as per Section 61.32 of applicable regulations. Applications must be submitted through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) portal by June 26, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. The program does not involve any pre-application gating requirements, such as letters of intent. However, potential applicants are encouraged to attend a webinar scheduled for April 7, 2026, to learn more about program guidelines and evaluation criteria. Multiple rounds of RWG funding are planned, with at least five rounds anticipated, making it a recurring opportunity for interested parties. The grant evaluation process focuses on flood risk reduction potential, technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, environmental benefits, and the long-term resilience value of proposed projects. For more information, interested applicants can consult the official program webpage or contact Madison Moore, Research Scientist in the DEC Division of Water, via email at [email protected] or phone at (518) 402-3805. Additional program updates and resources can be accessed at https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/water/water-quantity/resilient-ny.

Highlight project feasibility, engineering readiness, and alignment with DEC resilience goals.