Environmental Protection Fund - Local Waterfront Revitalization Program

The Environmental Protection Fund Local Waterfront Revitalization Program is administered by the New York State Department of State through its Office of Planning, Development and Community Infrastructure. This program is part of the state’s broader Environmental Protection Fund and is designed to support local governments in planning and implementing projects that improve, protect, and revitalize waterfront areas along New York’s coasts and designated inland waterways. The program reflects the state’s policy that municipalities are best positioned to determine their own waterfront development priorities while aligning with statewide coastal management goals. The primary purpose of the program is to provide financial and technical assistance to municipalities for the preparation, updating, or implementation of Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs or related components such as watershed management plans. These efforts are intended to advance community revitalization, improve public access to waterfronts, enhance environmental quality, and strengthen resilience to climate-related risks such as flooding, erosion, and sea level rise. The program places particular emphasis on inclusive and accessible design, encouraging projects that exceed standard accessibility requirements and serve people of all ages and abilities. Funding is available for both planning and implementation activities. Planning projects may include the development or update of waterfront revitalization strategies, while implementation projects may include feasibility studies, design, and construction of waterfront improvements such as public parks, trails, green infrastructure, shoreline stabilization, and water quality enhancements. Eligible costs include personnel, consultant services, equipment essential to the project, and project-related materials. However, funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, and applicants must document expenditures. Projects must be completed within five years of contract execution. The program requires a local match, with state assistance covering up to seventy five percent of eligible project costs, or up to eighty five percent for projects located in designated environmental justice areas or disadvantaged communities. Applicants must demonstrate secured matching funds and ensure that match sources are eligible. Ineligible costs include general administrative overhead, lobbying expenses, and costs not directly tied to project execution. Additionally, construction projects must occur on publicly owned land or land with a permanent public interest such as an easement. Eligibility is limited to villages, towns, and cities located along New York’s coasts or designated inland waterways. Counties and regional planning councils may also apply on behalf of eligible municipalities with appropriate authorization. Nonprofit and for profit organizations are not eligible to apply directly, although they may serve as partners. Applicants must ensure that proposed projects align with an existing or substantially complete waterfront revitalization program or component, particularly for design and construction activities. Applications must be submitted through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application system by July 31, 2026 at four pm Eastern Time. Written questions were accepted until June 19, 2026, with responses provided by July 10, 2026. The application process requires submission of detailed project scopes, budgets, timelines, and supporting documentation such as proof of site control and local approvals. Applications are evaluated based on criteria including public benefit, regional and local significance, environmental impact, project readiness, and budget justification. Awards are determined through a competitive scoring process, with additional input from Regional Economic Development Councils. Projects must meet minimum eligibility requirements and achieve a threshold score to be considered for funding. Successful applicants enter into a state contract and must comply with procurement, reporting, and record retention requirements. The program operates on a recurring basis, and future funding rounds are expected annually, subject to state budget appropriations and program updates.

Prioritize accessible inclusive design demonstrate project readiness secure matching funds clearly justify budget and align with waterfront revitalization goals