More than $265 million in grants have been announced by Governor Kathy Hochul to support water quality and climate resiliency projects across New York State. The funding is intended to protect drinking water, update aging infrastructure, address harmful algal blooms, and improve access to clean water. This initiative follows recent environmental investments highlighted in the 2026 State of the State.
Governor Hochul stated, “Every New Yorker deserves clean water, which has been a top priority of mine since taking office. These grants continue our critical investments to update aging water infrastructure across the state. They will also help our local governments enhance resiliency against flooding caused by severe weather, again demonstrating our commitment to a safe, affordable, and sustainable future for all New Yorkers.”
The funding comes from several grant programs managed by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC), as well as from the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act and other sources. These programs aim to make essential projects more affordable for municipalities while reducing the financial burden on taxpayers.
A significant portion—over $209 million—has been awarded through DEC’s Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) grant program to 131 projects that focus on improving water quality or habitat, flood risk reduction, restoration efforts, climate resiliency enhancements, or protection of drinking water sources.
Additionally, $2.9 million is being distributed through DEC’s Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning and MS4 System Mapping Grant (NPG) program for 44 projects focused on initial planning for improvements such as culvert replacement and storm sewer mapping in urban areas. These efforts are designed to reduce polluted runoff into waterways and strengthen resilience against climate change impacts.
Governor Hochul also announced $55 million in new grants for 24 climate resiliency projects in 15 communities under the Resilient Watersheds Grants (RWG) program administered by EFC with DEC coordination. RWG supports stream and floodplain restoration, dam removal, culvert replacements, property buyouts, and other actions recommended by state flood studies.
Among the RWG awards are two projects in Yonkers totaling over $6.66 million for culvert replacement and streambank stabilization along Troublesome Brook. In Lower Westchester County, Sleepy Hollow will receive $600,000 for a salt storage facility aimed at protecting Hudson River water quality; Save the Sound Inc. will get $2 million for dam removal and habitat restoration along the Bronx River.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said: “Since taking office, and most recently in the 2026 State of the State, Governor Hochul continues to provide unprecedented resources to invest in climate resiliency and water infrastructure to support communities across the State. With more than $265 million from multiple programs, including $185 million supporting improvements in environmental justice communities, the awarded projects will help our municipal partners achieve meaningful reductions in flood risk, protect drinking water, improve aquatic habitat and safeguard residents from increasingly severe weather events.”
Maureen Coleman, President and CEO of EFC added: “Governor Hochul is investing billions in water infrastructure every year to help local governments affordably advance crucial water quality and resiliency projects. By pairing Environmental Bond Act funding with other State program funding to support new and signature programs, every dollar goes further and brings New York closer to a safer, more sustainable future. The new Resilient Watersheds Grant program will jumpstart flood-mitigation projects in some of the most at-risk communities while creating good-paying jobs that drive local economies.”
Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins commented: “Now more than ever, when the federal government is trying to halt New York’s progress towards environmental goals, it is crucial that our state continue leading on environmental stewardship. Today’s announcement of $211 million in grant funding through the Water Quality Improvement Project Program is a reflection of the Senate’s commitment to ensuring New York’s communities are more resilient to extreme weather events and safeguarding our state’s water resources. I am proud to stand with my partners in government, including Governor Hochul and DEC Commissioner Lefton, to announce these vital investments.”
State Senator Peter Harckham said: “This major investment from the state through water quality improvement grants will ensure public health standards, support local municipalities and businesses, and create good jobs as well. Maintaining safe accessible drinking water sources and supply systems is integral to future growth and prosperity; I thank Governor Hochul my colleagues in the State Legislature and Department of Environmental Conservation for making this financial commitment.”
As part of her ongoing efforts outlined during her latest address https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-delivers-2026-state-state-governing-new-era Governor Hochul proposed a five-year plan committing $3.75 billion—$750 million annually—to modernize New York’s water systems while supporting economic development initiatives throughout the state.
Since 2017 nearly $6 billion has been invested by Governor Hochul alongside legislative partners into clean water infrastructure upgrades such as replacing old mains upgrading sewage plants removing lead pipes filtering PFAS chemicals among others—with plans now set forth raising total investment close to $10 billion.
The Clean Water Clean Air & Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act approved by voters on November 8 2022 authorized up to $4.2 billion https://www.environmentalbondact.ny.gov/ enabling agencies local governments & partners access funds dedicated toward protecting waters adapting communities enhancing resilience & creating green jobs; so far about $1.9 billion has already been allocated statewide.
The current round of grants was issued via New York’s Consolidated Funding Application process—a system designed to streamline applications increase efficiency & facilitate easier access https://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/cfa/funding-opportunities applicants seeking economic development assistance from multiple sources.
