MakingWaves - News From the Division of Water

In This Issue:

• Over $26 Million Announced To Support Water Infrastructure Projects
• Consolidated Funding Application Open Until July 30th
• Raising Awareness About Aquatic Invasive Species in Great Lakes Region
• Harmful Algal Bloom Notifications

Over $26 Million Announced To Support Water Infrastructure Projects

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) has approved $26.7 million in grants, interest-free loans. and low-cost loans to support water quality infrastructure projects across New York State. The funding supports municipalities that are working to update their aging drinking water and wastewater systems and improve utility services for residents.

The Board of Director's approval includes financing through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and grants funded through the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act. To learn about EFC's grant and loan programs, visit EFC's website.

Consolidated Funding Application Open Until July 30th 

Round XI of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative, which was launched May 10, includes over 30 programs through nine state agencies. The Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) will be open until 4:00 p.m. on July 30, 2021.

DEC's Division of Water has two grant programs available in the CFA:

• Water Quality Improvement Projects (WQIP): WQIP funds implement projects to address documented water quality impairments or protect a drinking water source. Eligible project types include wastewater treatment improvement, non-agricultural nonpoint source abatement and control, land acquisition for source water protection, salt storage, aquatic connectivity restoration, and marine district habitat restoration. For full program details and requirements, including maximum award amounts, required match, and project type descriptions, view DEC's WQIP webpage.
• Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning and MS4 Mapping Grant (NPG): NPG funds production of planning reports for nonpoint source water quality improvement projects and mapping of Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4). For full program details and requirements, including eligible grant categories, view DEC's NPG webpage.

Other water-related grant opportunities available through the CFA include: 

• Climate Smart Communities Grant Program (DEC)
• Engineering Planning Grant Program (Environmental Facilities Corporation - EFC in conjunction with DEC)
• Green Innovation Grant Program (EFC) 

Raising Awareness About Aquatic Invasive Species in Great Lakes Region 

DEC, partnering with seven Great Lakes states and two Canadian provinces, announced the third annual Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Landing Blitz, a regional campaign to inform boaters and others about the risks of introducing and spreading AIS. This coordinated outreach effort began on June 26 at hundreds of water access sites and will continue through July 4.  

For more information on the Great Lakes AIS Landing Blitz, including educational materials and location information, visit the Great Lakes Aquatic Invasive Species Landing Blitz website.

To help protect New York's lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams, visit DEC's website for  information on AIS and a step-by-step guide for ridding boats and equipment of AIS. Watch for DEC's recently-released public service announcement reminding boaters to clean, drain and dry their watercraft to protect our waters. 

Harmful Algal Bloom Notifications 

DEC’s harmful algal bloom (HABs) notification season has begun. HABs notifications will be updated through the fall using an online reporting and notification system dubbed NYHABS. The system includes an interactive map that shows reports of freshwater HABs, as well as a public reporting system. Instructions on how to use NYHABS are on DEC's HABs notification page.

Know it:  If you see a HAB, please use the reporting form to submit a report to NYHABS.

Avoid it:  Because waterbodies may have HABs that have not been reported to DEC, we recommend avoiding contact with floating mats, scums and discolored water.

Report it: If you, your family, or pet have been in contact with a HAB, please rinse with clean water and report any symptoms to your local health department.