MakingWaves - Funding to Repair Dams; Grants for Buffers on Farms; Air Quality Awareness Week

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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MakingWaves - News From the Division of Water

In This Issue:

  • Reminder: Funding Available to Support High Hazard Dam Repairs
  • Source Water Buffer Program Grant Available
  • Air Quality Awareness Week--Clear Air Helps Protect Our Waters

Reminder: Funding Available to Support High Hazard Dam Repairs

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos has announced $650,000 in grant funding is available to assist eligible dam owners with infrastructure repair costs. Funding is provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) High Hazard Potential Dam (HHPD) grant program. Of the dozens of states that applied to this federal program, New York was one of two states that received the maximum amount of funding. DEC is now accepting applications for grants to assist with technical, planning, design, and other pre-construction activities associated with the rehabilitation of eligible dams classified as High Hazard dams.

The deadline for applications is June 11, 2021. The Request for Applications is available online through the NYS Grants Gateway.


Source Water Buffer Program Grant Available

The NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets' Source Water Buffer Program provides cost-share assistance for the purchase of conservation easements and implementation of riparian buffer systems on agricultural lands to support, expand or enhance water quality protection of active public drinking water sources. Soil and water conservation districts are the only eligible applicants; they can apply to the program on behalf of interested farmers. Applications are currently being accepted. For more information, contact Bethany.bzduch@agriculture.ny.gov.


Air Quality Awareness Week--Clean Air Helps Protect Our Waters

I Care About Clean Air

DEC is celebrating Air Quality Awareness Week from May 3 to 7 this year. This year’s theme is “Healthy Air - Important for Everyone.”

We all want clean air to breathe, but in addition, clean air can help protect our waters. When air and water meet, such as when it rains, air pollution can easily turn into water pollution. Help reduce the effects of fossil fuel emissions in our air and water by greening your commute and conserving energy. Join us in celebrating Clean Air Awareness Week by learning more about air quality and its impacts on you, your family, and the environment and by taking steps every day to reduce your contributions to air pollution.