$42M boost for water quality projects in Eastern Finger Lakes

By Blake Jackson

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM), in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), has released draft eligibility guidelines for a $42 million investment in water quality projects in the Eastern Finger Lakes region.

This funding, allocated from the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022, aims to address pressing water quality issues, including harmful algal blooms (HABs) that threaten public health and the local economy.

The Eastern Finger Lakes region, encompassing seven Finger Lakes and their watersheds, is a vital agricultural area. However, it has been facing challenges related to water quality, particularly nutrient and sediment runoff from agricultural and other sources.

The proposed funding will support projects that address these issues and improve water quality in the region.

“An investment in the environment is an investment in our agricultural industry, and that includes preserving the quality of our freshwater resources. We work closely with our partners at DEC and our coalition of Soil and Water Districts to preserve the Eastern Finger Lakes Watershed," said State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball. "Supplementing our existing work with Bond Act funding will not only safeguard the health of our lakes but also ensure our farms across the state can implement best management practices while remaining competitive, profitable, and sustainable.”

Eligible Projects

The funding will be used to support a variety of agricultural and non-agricultural projects, including:

• Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs): Projects that implement BMPs to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff from farms, such as cover cropping, conservation tillage, and nutrient management plans.
• Streambank and Streambed Management: Projects that protect and restore streambanks and streambeds to reduce erosion and improve water quality.
• Roadside Drainage Management: Projects that improve roadside drainage systems to prevent runoff into waterways.
• Flood Resiliency: Projects that enhance the resilience of communities to flooding and storm events.
• Non-Agricultural Projects: Projects that address non-point source pollution from urban and suburban areas, such as stormwater management and green infrastructure.

Key Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for funding, projects must:

• Address identified water quality concerns in the Eastern Finger Lakes region.
• Align with local and regional water quality plans.
• Meet New York State standards and specifications for design and implementation.
• Have a minimum lifespan of 10 years.

The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the draft eligibility guidelines. The final guidelines will shape the allocation of funds and the types of projects that will be supported.

For more information visit, https://agriculture.ny.gov/news/department-agriculture-and-markets-releases-environmental-bond-act-draft-eligibility

Photo Credit: istock-dorin-s