Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that $61 million in Green Resiliency Grant funding will support eight stormwater infrastructure projects across New York State. The grants, funded by the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, aim to protect communities from severe weather events by implementing nature-based solutions for stormwater management and reducing pressure on wastewater systems.
“Too many communities have experienced the devastation of severe flooding, and that’s why we’re investing in resiliency initiatives to protect vulnerable areas and make our state stronger and more resilient,” Governor Hochul said. “We’re investing where it matters — not just reacting to the next storm, but preparing for it — protecting families and businesses in the process.”
New York City will receive a total of $17.8 million for two green infrastructure projects. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection is allocated $10 million for the North and South Conduit Median Green Infrastructure Project in Brooklyn and Queens. This project aims to capture and treat stormwater to relieve pressure on the city’s sewer system and improve water quality in Jamaica Bay. An additional $7.9 million grant goes to the New York City Housing Authority for flood-mitigation at Clinton Houses, which will help reduce local flooding and safeguard critical infrastructure.
The Green Resiliency Grant program was launched in 2024 as part of Governor Hochul’s State of the State initiative, with its first round awarding $60 million. The program is administered by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC).
Environmental Facilities Corporation President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman stated, “Governor Hochul is empowering communities to build resilience and protect public health, while making the projects affordable. The projects will deliver lasting improvements — reduced flooding, cleaner water, and safer streets — for generations to come.”
Amanda Lefton, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, commented: “Ensuring New Yorkers have reliable and resilient water infrastructure is a top priority for Governor Hochul and DEC. The historic Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act is helping make more resources available, including this $61 million investment for green projects and nature-based solutions that will help more homes, businesses, and communities be protected from flooding risks and extreme weather impacts.”
State Senator James Sanders highlighted transparency efforts: “I commend Governor Hochul for her continued investment in protecting communities like ours from the devastating impact of flooding and climate change. The inclusion of transparent tools like the Environmental Facilities Corporation’s interactive project impact dashboard ensures that the public can track progress and hold agencies accountable — that’s good government in action. I also encourage local leaders, civic associations, and residents in flood-prone areas to contact the EFC to explore available funding and technical support. Together, we can make sure that every community — especially those historically overlooked — has access to clean water, strong infrastructure, and a resilient future.”
Other officials noted specific benefits for their regions or constituencies:
– Senator Sean Ryan said investments would help Buffalo reduce pollution in Scajaquada Creek.
– Assemblymember Deborah Glick pointed out these grants are timely given ongoing climate threats.
– Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato emphasized protection for Jamaica Bay.
– Assemblymember Jonathan Rivera described efforts targeting one of New York’s most polluted waterways.
– Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs welcomed targeted support for East Harlem public housing.
– Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins thanked Governor Hochul for addressing persistent flooding issues with allocations such as $4.4 million for Mount Vernon.
– Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon called attention to improvements benefiting both residents and waterways.
Other municipal leaders from Mount Vernon, Potsdam, Brookhaven Town, Rye Town Park, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine as well as NYC Chief Climate Officer Rohit T. Aggarwala expressed gratitude toward state support.
Projects funded include:
– Buffalo Sewer Authority ($10M) – Stormwater bioretention systems aimed at preventing sewer overflows into Scajaquada Creek.
– Town of Brookhaven ($10M) – Redevelopment project featuring bioretention installations to reduce flooding near Narrow Bay.
– City of Mount Vernon ($4.4M) – Brush Park upgrades using porous pavement to mitigate local floods.
– NYCHA Clinton Houses ($7.9M) – Cloudburst system installation under recreational areas to prevent residential flooding.
– NYC DEP ($10M) – Bioretention installations along major conduits in Brooklyn/Queens targeting Jamaica Bay water quality goals by 2030.
– City of Newburgh ($1.825M) – Liberty Street reconstruction with tree trenches aimed at Hudson River health improvement.
– Village of Potsdam ($8.975M) – Detention ponds designed to relieve stress on century-old canal systems during storms.
– Town of Rye ($8.1M) – Sustainability project incorporating rain barrels/drainage enhancements near Long Island Sound.
These grants are part of broader investments enabled after voters approved a ballot proposition in November 2022 making $4.2 billion available statewide through the Environmental Bond Act.
With ongoing coastal storm season concerns as winter approaches, Governor Hochul also launched resilient.ny.gov—a new online platform centralizing information about state investments related to community resilience against climate change impacts.
The website provides an accessible directory connecting residents with emergency planning resources alongside details about programs such as Green Resiliency Grants.
New York continues leading national investments in water infrastructure; over $3.4 billion was provided through EFC financial assistance during State Fiscal Year 2025 alone.
Additionally, with another $500 million set aside under next year’s enacted budget announced by Governor Hochul—total state investment since 2017 reaches $6 billion supporting clean water initiatives.
