Green Resiliency Grants

The Green Resiliency Grant program is administered by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation as part of the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022. The program is designed to fund large-scale, transformative stormwater management projects that improve water quality while helping communities prepare for and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events. With a total funding pool of 60 million dollars, the program prioritizes projects that integrate both green and gray infrastructure solutions to create long-term resilience and equitable environmental benefits across New York State. The primary purpose of the program is to reduce flooding risk, manage stormwater runoff, and improve water quality through sustainable infrastructure investments. Projects must demonstrate measurable environmental benefits, particularly through reducing stormwater volume and improving watershed health. The program emphasizes equitable outcomes, requiring that at least 35 percent of benefits reach disadvantaged communities. Eligible projects must address clearly defined drainage areas and provide significant stormwater storage and treatment capacity, ensuring both immediate and long-term environmental improvements. Funding is awarded competitively, with individual grants ranging from a minimum of 1 million dollars to a maximum of 10 million dollars. The program may cover up to 90 percent of eligible project costs, requiring applicants to provide at least a 10 percent local match. Eligible costs include construction, planning, engineering, administrative expenses, and limited land acquisition, with caps placed on non-construction and acquisition expenses. However, costs incurred prior to award notification, as well as ongoing maintenance and unrelated infrastructure improvements, are not eligible for reimbursement. Eligibility is limited to municipalities as defined under New York State law, including local governments, public authorities, school districts, tribal entities, and certain state agencies. Applicants must demonstrate ownership or legal access to the project site and the ability to operate and maintain the infrastructure over its useful life. Projects must not begin construction prior to award notification and must commence construction within two years of receiving funding. Applicants are also limited in the number of active awards they may hold and must prioritize submissions when applying for multiple projects. Applications are evaluated based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including environmental impact, reduction of flood risk, volume of stormwater managed, and the provision of co-benefits such as habitat restoration and community revitalization. Additional evaluation factors include project readiness, financial need, community support, and the extent to which the project benefits disadvantaged communities. Clear documentation, technical feasibility, and alignment with regional plans are critical components of a successful application. The application process requires submission through the Environmental Facilities Corporation Customer Portal, along with a feasibility study and supporting documentation. Applicants must provide detailed project descriptions, cost estimates, and evidence of site control. Applications opened on April 22, 2026 and must be submitted by June 12, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Following award, recipients must comply with environmental review requirements, procurement standards, and equity-related contracting requirements, including participation goals for minority and veteran-owned businesses. The program operates on a competitive cycle basis and does not explicitly state recurrence, though it is tied to broader bond act funding. Awardees must complete all compliance documentation before entering into a grant agreement, and projects may be subject to additional federal requirements if co-funded. The timeline from application to award is not explicitly defined, but applicants are expected to demonstrate readiness to proceed and the capacity to complete construction within established timeframes.