The deadline to apply for the previously-announced Mohawk River Basin grants has been extended to 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 18, 2015, the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today. 

            This grant opportunity, announced on October 7, is available to municipalities and not-for-profit corporations that can apply for $150,000 in available grant funds to implement the Mohawk River Basin Action Agenda. Grant awards ranging from $15,000 up to a maximum of $50,000 will be awarded for eligible projects.

            Eligible projects include those that conserve, protect and restore fish, wildlife and their habitats; protect and improve water quality; or promote flood hazard mitigation and enhanced flood resiliency. Examples of eligible projects include: restoration of aquatic habitats; education and outreach on invasive species management; purchase of floating docks to expand river access; installation of green infrastructure projects that seek to reduce stormwater runoff; right-sizing of culverts; restoration of natural stream conditions; elevating or flood-proofing critical structures; and environmental education activities targeting students and citizens.

            All projects must have defined measurable outcomes or deliverables that can be completed and invoiced within two years of contract approval. DEC and 21 local, state, federal and not-for-profit partners developed the Mohawk River Basin Action Agenda to promote the coordinated management of the environmental and cultural resources of the Mohawk River and its watershed. The Mohawk River Basin Action Agenda can be viewed on DEC's website.

            Grant applications are available online at the New York State Grants Gateway, a one-stop location that streamlines the way grants are administered by New York State. Applicants must be registered in the Gateway in order to apply.