New York DEC Announces $87 Million in Grants Toward Water Quality Improvement

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced $87 million in new grants to be put towards 95 water quality improvement projects statewide. The awards are being made available through Round VII of the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC).

Addressing a range of issues, the 95 projects will attempt to improve and protect water quality, restore aquatic habitats and reduce polluted runoff.

According to DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos, the distribution of the funding will see $58 million put towards improvement and updates of wastewater infrastructure, $14.6 million towards land acquisition, $5 million to improve salt storage and $1 million for habitat restoration, among other funded projects.

“From Western New York to Suffolk County, from Southern Tier to the North Country, the Governor is launching aggressive water quality initiatives that support critical water infrastructure improvements,” said Seggos. “These Water Quality Improvement Project grants build on the state’s ongoing commitment to protect vital drinking water and have the power to economically revitalize these communities.”

The Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) is a state program that subsidizes different initiatives that promote or improve water quality or water infrastructure in various capacities throughout the state. Funding is provided to both local governments and nonprofit corporations.

Of the 95 projects, notable areas of concern to be addressed include the Finger Lakes, Long Island, Capital Region, Mid-Hudson and Mohawk Valley, among others.