Municipalities and not-for-profit corporations can now apply for $150,000 in grants to implement the Mohawk River Basin Action Agenda, the state Department of Environmental Conservation announced today. The deadline for applying is 2:00 p.m. on Dec. 1. The Environmental Protection Fund is providing the grant awards ranging from $15,000 to $50,000.

“Under the direction of Governor Cuomo, DEC helped create a working group to promote economic revitalization and environmental sustainability in the Mohawk River watershed,” Acting Commissioner Marc Gerstman said. “These grants will help encourage municipal and not-for-profit efforts to implement environmental projects consistent with the Mighty Waters Initiative and the Mohawk River Basin Action Agenda.”

Eligible projects include those that conserve, protect and restore fish, wildlife and their habitats; protect and improve water quality; and promote flood hazard mitigation and enhanced flood resiliency. Examples of eligible projects may 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 at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/58571.html.

Grant applications are available online at the New York State Grants Gateway (www.grantsgateway.ny.gov), 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.