The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Hudson River Estuary Program is offering the Round 45 Hudson River Estuary Grants to support Tributary Restoration and Resiliency projects within the Hudson River Estuary watershed. This grant program, funded by the Environmental Protection Fund, seeks to enhance tributary habitats, improve aquatic connectivity, and support community resilience to flooding. Eligible entities include municipalities, governmental and quasi-governmental entities, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, school districts, community colleges, and 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations based in New York. Projects must be located within designated boundaries of the Hudson River Estuary, focusing on areas from the Troy dam to the Verrazano Narrows, including relevant tributaries.

Approximately $800,000 in funding is available, with individual grants ranging from a minimum of $10,500 to a maximum of $300,000. Grantees are required to match at least 15% of the grant award, though applicants proposing a 30% or higher match may receive additional points in scoring. Eligible projects include the removal of artificial barriers like dams to restore water flow, enhancing aquatic habitats, replacing road-stream crossings to improve fish passage, and conducting planning and engineering assessments for future habitat improvement projects. DEC will prioritize projects supporting migratory species such as American eel and river herring, especially in locations with immediate barriers upstream from tidal waters.

Applications must be submitted through the New York State Statewide Financial System (SFS) by December 12, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. EST. All required documentation, including project maps, site photos, and verification of property access, must be included. An informational webinar will be held on October 9, 2024, and DEC will accept questions until December 5, 2024. Required application materials include a project timeline, budget details, and a completed work plan that outlines project objectives, tasks, and performance measures. Bidders should be registered in the SFS and, if applicable, prequalified by the bid due date.

DEC will evaluate applications based on alignment with program objectives, potential to enhance water quality and flood resilience, local support, and outreach plans. Scoring also considers cost-effectiveness, with additional points for projects providing extensive matching funds. Successful projects must align with the Smart Growth Infrastructure Policy Act and demonstrate compliance with DEC’s quality assurance standards if water quality or sediment monitoring is involved.

The grant program emphasizes meaningful community involvement, especially for projects benefiting Environmental Justice and Disadvantaged Communities. Bidders are encouraged to demonstrate stakeholder engagement and alignment with Regional Economic Development Council priorities. Awardees will enter into a Master Contract for Grants (MCG) with DEC and must ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including permit acquisition, environmental assessments, and reporting obligations. For awarded grants, not-for-profit organizations may request an advance payment of up to 25% of the grant amount, with reimbursements based on eligible, documented expenses incurred during the contract period.