Submissions will Help Inform Funding Distribution Guidelines

New York State today announced the extension of the deadline to submit project ideas for funding through the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act survey from Sept. 15 to Sept. 30, 2023. The survey, available at https://bit.ly/BondActSurvey, has collected hundreds of project ideas from potential applicants and interested stakeholders so far.

The survey is not a formal funding application, but instead was designed to solicit input about the State's existing funding mechanisms and help municipalities, community-based organizations, and other New Yorkers share potential projects ideas and capture feedback about the types of projects communities may want supported with Bond Act resources.

Projects of interest may include drinking water and wastewater municipal infrastructure needs; flood prevention or areas where home buyouts may be considered; innovative approaches to prevent climate change impacts; actions to increase recreational access or improve recreational infrastructure; opportunities to protect open space or restore habitat; and other potential community-based efforts that complement the Bond Act’s objectives.

The survey was extended in response to requests from community-based organizations and attendees of the Bond Act listening tour that concluded last month and, along with the 10-stop educational listening tour, it is part of the State's commitment to a collaborative and transparent process in the delivery of Bond Act funds. Over several months, the tour – including two virtual sessions with recordings available at www.ny.gov/BondAct - provided an opportunity for the public and potential funding applicants to learn more about the Bond Act and to begin discussions on the guidelines being developed to identify potential projects. The next phase of public engagement is already underway, with ongoing opportunities for the public to comment on guidelines for existing or new programs to distribute funding. Agencies will also continue to coordinate outreach to educate communities about the Bond Act, the development of the guidelines, and current and future funding opportunities.

About the Environmental Bond Act

Overwhelmingly approved by voters last fall, the landmark Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act is the largest environmental bond in state history and the first in New York since 1996. The Bond Act makes $4.2 billion available for environmental and community projects that also support job creation and a substantial investment in the Clean Green Schools initiative that will serve more than 1,000 under-resourced public schools. Recognizing that vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by negative environmental and climate change impacts, 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of Bond Act benefits will be directed toward disadvantaged communities.

Specifically, the Environmental Bond Act authorizes:

• $1.5 billion for climate change mitigation;
• $1.1 billion for restoration and flood risk reduction;
• $650 million for water quality improvement and resilient infrastructure;
• $650 million for open space land conservation and recreation; and
• $300 million for other projects not specifically allocated in the Act.

State agencies, local governments, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders will be able to access Bond Act funding over a multi-year process. An inter-agency working group is currently identifying needs for environmental funding across the state and developing program logistics for Bond Act implementation. All proposed eligibility guidelines are released for a public comment period. The most recent draft criteria, which is now being finalized, will guide at least $500 million in funding for zero-emission school buses and infrastructure.

Additionally, this summer, following a public comment period for draft eligibility guidelines for water infrastructure funding, Governor Hochul announced the availability of the first round of Bond Act monies with $200 million combined with other State water infrastructure funding for a total of $425 million. The application deadline closed after a two-week extension to allow more communities hit hard by flooding in July to apply. Applications are now being reviewed. Other Bond Act programs and funding opportunities will continue, as well as ongoing opportunities for state and federal funding that are offered regularly.

New Yorkers interested in learning more about the Bond Act can find general information about the $4.2 billion landmark initiative at the Bond Act website at www.ny.gov/BondAct. The site includes recordings of the two virtual sessions, general information about existing state and federal funding programs that complement the Bond Act objectives and could help leverage Bond Act funds, and a link to the project ideas survey, among other information. The site will continue to be updated and interested individuals can also join a mailing list for updates at BondAct@dec.ny.gov.