DEC Extends Application Deadline for Funding to Support Efforts to Improve Hudson River Tributaries

$200,000 in Grants Available until June 21 for Culverts and Road-Stream Crossings that Improve Aquatic Habitat

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the application deadline for grants to support tributary restoration through the improvement of culverts and road-stream crossings is being extended to June 21, 2024. The funding is available for communities with road infrastructure that crosses Hudson River estuary tributary streams and is at risk of flooding.

In March, DEC announced $200,000 is available for projects that will help communities restore aquatic organism passage and habitat connectivity, reduce localized flood risks, and improve water quality for communities along Hudson River estuary tributaries. Funding for these projects is provided by the New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and is administered by NEWIPCC in partnership with DEC's Hudson River Estuary Program through a Request for Proposals (RFP).

Eligible road-stream crossing (RSX) must be at a location that is a barrier to habitat for river herring or American eel. RSX include bridges, culverts, arches, and other similar structures that allow water to pass under infrastructure that would otherwise block the natural flow of rivers and streams.

This RFP includes the following project types:

• Type 1: Design Plan to Replace or Retrofit RSX - Deliver final plans, spec sheets, bid documents and prepare materials for a complete environmental permit application to replace or retrofit RSX (e.g., grade controls, baffles, weirs, and other support structures) at a site that is the location of herring or eel habitat, or an aquatic barrier.
• Type 2: RSX Replacement and Retrofit Projects - Replace or retrofit RSX (e.g., grade controls, baffles, weirs, and other support structures) at a site that is the location of herring or eel habitat, or an aquatic barrier.

Proposed projects would take place within the boundary identified by DEC's Hudson River Estuary Program (PDF).

The revised Tributary Restoration for Culverts and Road-Stream Crossings RFP and application is available on NEIWPCC's website.