By Blake Jackson
New York's Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) is seeking public feedback on draft guidelines for allocating funds from the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act. This historic $4.2 billion Act aims to support water quality projects and combat climate change.
The public comment period allows input on how to best distribute Bond Act funding for agricultural conservation efforts. This feedback will help shape the use of funds within the Water Quality Improvement and Resilient Infrastructure category.
The draft guidelines outline eligible best management practices (BMPs) that farmers can implement to protect water quality. These practices aim to reduce soil erosion and nutrient runoff, benefiting the environment and agricultural profitability.
Eligible BMPs under the AGNPS program include:
- Access control systems
- Agrichemical handling and storage systems
- Composting systems
- Erosion control systems
- Irrigation water management systems
- Livestock management systems
- Manure and waste treatment systems
- Stream corridor and shoreline management systems
- Waste storage and transfer systems
Eligible BMPs under the AEM program mirror those of the AGNPS program.
How to Provide Feedback
The public can submit written comments on the draft guidelines until April 12, 2024. Comments should be addressed to:
The Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act
Voters overwhelmingly approved this Act in November 2022. The Bond Act provides funding for various environmental initiatives, including water quality protection, climate change adaptation, and green job creation. It will support projects across the state to safeguard water sources, reduce pollution, and bolster climate resilience.
Since the Act's passage, an inter-agency working group has been outlining a transparent process to identify environmental funding needs and develop program logistics. Initial funding allocations include:
- $200 million for water infrastructure improvement and intermunicipal grants
- $100 million for zero-emission school buses
- $100 million for Clean Green Schools
- $2 million for Long Island Park infrastructure protection
- $13.1 million for the Adirondack Rail Trail construction
By seeking public input and allocating initial funding, New York is taking active steps to address environmental challenges and promote a sustainable future.
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