DEC Launches New Water Grants Data Portal

Interactive Web-Based Mapper Displays Grant-Funded Projects

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today launched the DEC Division of Water Grants Data Portal, an interactive web-based mapper that contains a comprehensive dataset of grants awarded to water quality and habitat projects. This innovative streamlined portal with enhanced access to grants data, now provides municipalities, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and the general public a better understanding of the massive scale of New York State’s investments in water quality and habitats.

“DEC’s new Division of Water Grants Data Portal allows interested New Yorkers to learn more about $1.7B in investments dating back nearly 30 years from two of DEC’s most impactful water grant programs,” Commissioner Lefton said. “The streamlined mapper offers quick and easy access to water quality grant data and is a beneficial way for everyone to see how, when, and where New York State is working to improve water quality and reduce flood risk across the state. As part of DEC’s mission to serve the public, users can filter and download information from more than 2,100 projects that are reducing water pollution, restoring aquatic habitat, and increasing resilience to serious storms today and future climate challenges.”

The mapper lists projects funded through the Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) program and Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning and MS4 Mapping Grant (NPG) programs. The grant programs are currently open for a new round of applications through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA). Applications are being accepted through July 31, 2025, at 4 p.m. At least $75M is available through the WQIP Grant Program and up to $3M is available through the NPG Grant Program.

Nine different project types are available for funding through WQIP, including Wastewater Treatment Improvement, Non-agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control, Vacuum Trucks for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) Areas, Land Acquisition for Source Water Protection, Salt Storage and Road Salt Reduction, Dam Safety Repair/Rehabilitation and Dam Removal, Aquatic Connectivity, Marine District Habitat Restoration, and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Restoration and Enhancement.

Municipalities, including Indian Nations, are eligible to apply for all project types. Soil and Water Conservation Districts and not-for-profit organizations are eligible for select project types. Maximum grant awards range from $100,000 to $15M depending on the project type and population served, as identified in the request for applications. NPG funds the production of planning reports for nonpoint source water quality improvement projects and mapping of MS4 areas.

Seventeen eligible planning report types, including stream culvert repair and replacement, green infrastructure, and wetland restoration, are available for funding. DEC also added planning report types to include winter road maintenance, sanitary survey for alternative waste management, and riparian corridor restoration and enhancement.

To access the portal or find more information about the grant programs, visit our WQIP or NPG webpages.

New York's Commitment to Water Quality
New York State continues to increase its nation-leading investments in water infrastructure. With $500M allocated for clean water infrastructure in the recently Enacted 2025-26 State Budget, New York will have invested a record $6B in water infrastructure since 2017. The budget also included an increase to the Environmental Protection Fund for a record total of $425M. Initiatives in Governor Hochul’s State of the State are ensuring ongoing coordination with local governments and helping communities to leverage these investments. Governor Hochul announced $435M in grants to 102 projects in November, featuring increased awards for wastewater projects for smaller, disadvantaged communities. The Governor also expanded the State Environmental Facilities Corporation’s (EFC) Community Assistance Teams to help small, rural and disadvantaged communities leverage this funding and address their clean water infrastructure needs. Any community needing assistance with water infrastructure projects is encouraged to contact EFC.

About The Consolidated Funding Application
The Consolidated Funding Application was created to streamline and expedite the grant application process. The CFA process marks a fundamental shift in the way state resources are allocated, ensuring less bureaucracy and greater efficiency to fulfill local economic development needs. The CFA serves as the single-entry point for access to economic development funding, ensuring applicants no longer have to slowly navigate multiple agencies and sources without any mechanism for coordination. Now, economic development projects use the CFA as a support mechanism to access multiple state funding sources through one application, making the process quicker, easier, and more productive. Learn more about the CFA.