MakingWaves - News From the Division of Water

In This Issue:

• Reminder: Deadline is July 29 to Apply for Water Quality Grants
• Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Funding Opportunity
• Funding Opportunities for Coastal Communities
• Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Notifications

Reminder: Deadline is July 29 to Apply for Water Quality Grants

This is a reminder that the annual Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) will remain open until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 29, 2022, for two Division of Water grant opportunities and other water-related grants.

• Water Quality Improvement Projects (WQIP): WQIP funds implementation projects to improve water quality 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 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 maximum award amounts, required match, and 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)
• Green Innovation Grant Program (EFC)

Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Funding Opportunity

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is seeking proposals under the Great Lakes B-WET Program. This is a competitive grant program funded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative that supports existing, successful environmental education programs, encourages new, innovative programs, and promotes capacity building and partnership development for place-based and environmental education programs in all Great Lakes states, including New York.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, September 20, 2022. Find applicant resources on NOAA's website. 

Funding Opportunities for Coastal Communities

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is providing an opportunity to make an impact against the climate crisis across the country through multiple funding opportunities, including nearly $3 billion for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to take action in the areas of habitat restoration, coastal resilience, and weather forecasting infrastructure. A significant portion of the funds will be issued through competitive grants to organizations to do on-the-ground work around the country.

To learn more about the 10 funding opportunities NOAA is offering, view NOAA's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law webpage. 

Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Notifications

Visit NYHABS, DEC's harmful algal bloom notification map to view locations of freshwater HABs in New York State that were reported in the past two weeks. Click on a dot for more information, including the date it was reported, the waterbody name, and pictures. Click on the arrow at the bottom of the screen to view a list of reported HABs. Instructions on how to use NYHABS are on DEC's HABs notification webpage.

Know it: HABs vary in appearance from scattered green dots in the water, to long, linear green streaks, pea soup, or spilled green paint, to blue-green or white coloration.

Avoid it: People, pets, and livestock should avoid contact with floating mats, scums, and discolored water.

Report it: Report a suspected HAB using the NYHABS online reporting form. Report health concerns related to HABs to the Department of Health at harmfulalgae@health.ny.gov, or contact your local health department.