The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released for public review and comment draft eligibility and accounting guidelines to allocate funding under the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 (Bond Act) for the protection of open space lands statewide. Protection of open spaces is a critical tool for climate resilience and adaption, provides New Yorkers with enhanced access to recreational opportunities, and preserves and improves habitat conservation and biodiversity.

DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “The historic Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act provides an opportunity to invest up to $650 million in protecting open space and enhancing recreational opportunities. DEC encourages public input on the draft guidelines released today and looks forward to continuing to work with our many public and private partners to ensure open space is protected and accessible for visitors to enjoy, while providing critical habitats for plants and wildlife.”

The guidelines support funding for eligible open space projects that align with the 2016 New York State Open Space Conservation Plan, successor plans, and/or meet the following criteria identified as open space conservation goals. The eligibility criteria authorize DEC to undertake open space land conservation projects, enter into an agreement for purchase of real property or conservation easements on real property with willing sellers, and to implement recreational projects and infrastructure improvements. Eligible applicants for associated grants include not-for-profit corporations and municipalities.

The full eligibility guidelines are available in this week’s Environmental Notice Bulletin.

Public comments on the draft guidelines will be accepted until Friday, July 19, 2024, at 5 p.m. and can be submitted in writing by mail to: Pieter Bridge, New York State DEC - Lands and Forests, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233; and by email to: openspaceplan@dec.ny.gov.

Disadvantaged Communities 
The Bond Act requires that disadvantaged communities shall receive no less than 35 percent, with the goal of 40 percent, of the benefit of total Bond Act funds ($4.2 billion). Disadvantaged communities are those identified by the Climate Justice Working Group, pursuant to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Consistent with this Bond Act requirement, DEC will aim to prioritize 40 percent of grant awards benefit disadvantaged communities. 

New York’s Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 
On Nov. 8, 2022, New York voters overwhelmingly approved the $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act. State agencies, local governments, and partners will be able to access funding to protect water quality, help communities adapt to climate change, improve resiliency, and create green jobs. Bond Act funding will support new and expanded projects across the state to safeguard drinking water sources, reduce pollution, and protect communities and natural resources from climate change.