Albany, NY - November 23, 2015 - Two million dollars in grants are available to organizations for projects to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in New York State's waterways, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today. The grants are the latest action in the state's comprehensive efforts to combat aquatic invasive species and aim to foster outreach to users of water bodies, install decontamination stations and provide steward training programs in high priority areas.
"The announcement of this grant program highlights Governor Cuomo's commitment to foster collaboration and coordination among state agencies, municipalities, not-for-profits and educational institutions to minimize the harm aquatic invasive species cause to New York's environment, economy, natural resources and human health," Acting Commissioner Seggos said.
The New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) is providing the $2 million for eligible projects. Grant amounts will range from a minimum of $25,000 up to a maximum of $100,000. A 25-percent match is required. For a full list of eligible and ineligible forms of match, please view the Request for Application (RFA) webpage at DEC's website.
New York is particularly vulnerable to AIS due to the frequency in which ocean-going vessels travel through the Great Lakes. Once established AIS, such as zebra mussels and spiny waterflea, can spread easily to other inland waterbodies through the State's extensive canal system and through recreational boating and angling. Strategically placed boat stewards help prevent the spread of AIS by educating boaters on how to properly remove and identify AIS and conducting voluntary boat and equipment inspections.
The new grant program builds on the success of several boat steward programs, which are already underway in New York State. The pilot Adirondack AIS spread prevention program, initiated earlier this year, deployed boat stewards at 14 high priority sites and installed 11 new boat decontamination stations.
A recent study by the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program found that if invasive species are allowed to spread, they could cost the Adirondack economy alone up to $900 million. This includes annual losses in visitor spending, and agriculture and primary forest production value as well as losses in property value that will affect the tax base and borrowing ability for property owners on an ongoing basis.
Governor Cuomo announced earlier this year an unprecedented agreement among 53 New York State agencies, municipal governments, property owners, lake associations, conservation groups, sporting groups and businesses to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species in the Adirondack region. The agreement will help preserve clean water, increase recreation opportunities and promote tourism in New York State.
In his 2015 Opportunity Agenda, Governor Cuomo announced the Protected Landscapes and Thriving Communities initiative to foster the Adirondack's tourism economy, conserve the Forest Preserve and help communities thrive. A core component of this initiative is preventing the spread of invasive species. To support this effort, under Governor Cuomo's leadership, the 2015-16 state budget included an additional $1 million in the Environmental Protection Fund targeted specifically for combatting aquatic invasive species.
The highest scoring projects will have a statewide or regional focus rather than a local focus, involve multiple partners and stakeholders. Grants will be awarded to applicants who clearly demonstrate that they have the knowledge and skill to successfully complete the project. Priority will be given to projects located on or in close proximity to waterbodies where the shoreline is 50 percent or higher in public ownership. Targeted waterbodies must be located wholly within New York State.
The deadline for grant application is January 29, 2016. DEC anticipates announcing grant awards in April 2016. Applicants can apply for the grant through the Consolidated Funding Application website.