Governor Kathy Hochul has announced $61 million in Green Resiliency Grant funding for eight stormwater infrastructure projects across New York State. The grants are funded through the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, which was approved by voters in November 2022 to provide $4.2 billion for environmental and community initiatives.
“Too many communities have experienced the devastation of severe flooding, and that’s why we’re investing in resiliency initiatives to protect vulnerable areas and make our state stronger and more resilient,” Governor Hochul said. “We’re investing where it matters — not just reacting to the next storm, but preparing for it — protecting families and businesses in the process.”
New York City will receive a combined $17.8 million for two major green infrastructure projects. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection is set to receive $10 million for the North and South Conduit Median Green Infrastructure Project in Brooklyn and Queens, designed to capture and treat stormwater while reducing pressure on city sewers and improving water quality in Jamaica Bay. An additional $7.9 million grant will go to the New York City Housing Authority for flood-mitigation measures at Clinton Houses in East Harlem.
The Green Resiliency Grant program was launched as part of Governor Hochul’s State of the State initiative in 2024, with $60 million awarded during its first round. Grants are administered by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC).
Environmental Facilities Corporation President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman stated, “Governor Hochul is empowering communities to build resilience and protect public health, while making the projects affordable. The projects will deliver lasting improvements — reduced flooding, cleaner water, and safer streets — for generations to come.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton commented, “Ensuring New Yorkers have reliable and resilient water infrastructure is a top priority for Governor Hochul and DEC. The historic Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act is helping make more resources available, including this $61 million investment for green projects and nature-based solutions that will help more homes, businesses, and communities be protected from flooding risks and extreme weather impacts.”
State Senator James Sanders added praise for transparency efforts: “I commend Governor Hochul for her continued investment in protecting communities like ours from the devastating impact of flooding and climate change. The inclusion of transparent tools like the Environmental Facilities Corporation’s interactive project impact dashboard ensures that the public can track progress and hold agencies accountable — that’s good government in action. I also encourage local leaders, civic associations, and residents in flood-prone areas to contact the EFC to explore available funding and technical support. Together, we can make sure that every community — especially those historically overlooked — has access to clean water, strong infrastructure, and a resilient future.”
Other lawmakers highlighted specific benefits across their districts:
– In Buffalo, a $10 million grant will fund bioretention systems aimed at reducing sewer overflows into Scajaquada Creek.
– Brookhaven on Long Island receives $10 million for neighborhood redevelopment using green stormwater management.
– Mount Vernon secures $4.4 million for upgrades at Brush Park.
– Rye gets $8.1 million for sustainability enhancements at Rye Town Park.
– Potsdam receives nearly $9 million toward detention ponds designed to ease pressure on aging canal systems.
Assemblymember Deborah Glick remarked on current weather threats: “As one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Atlantic gathers strength, New Yorkers are reminded that climate change is not a distant threat; we’re dealing with its effects right now. These Bond Act grants are a timely investment in flood resilience, clean water, and community safety. I thank Governor Hochul for strengthening our infrastructure today in order to help prevent greater losses tomorrow.”
Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato said she was proud of her vote supporting funding: “I was proud to vote yes on the Environmental Bond Act of 2022, and am even prouder to see that under the work of Governor Hochul it is accomplishing its goals of providing funding for green infrastructure. I applaud the Governor as she is directing the funding for needed investments in the City’s infrastructure that truly make a difference in mitigating flooding, reducing sewer overflows – and all while protecting Jamaica Bay, the Crown Jewel of NYC.”
The announcement comes as New York continues major investments into water infrastructure statewide—over $3.4 billion provided by EFC alone during Fiscal Year 2025—and follows an allocation of another $500 million under next year’s enacted budget.
A new website has also been launched at resilient.ny.gov as a centralized resource hub where residents can find information about state resilience programs such as these grants.
Additional officials from across affected regions expressed gratitude or detailed expected impacts from these awards:
– Assemblymember Jonathan Rivera cited federal designations regarding pollution levels at Scajaquada Creek.
– Assemblymember Eddie Gibbs noted relief efforts directed toward public housing concerns.
– Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins referenced recent repetitive flooding events impacting his county.
– Local leaders from Buffalo (Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon), Mount Vernon (Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard), Potsdam (Mayor Alexandra Jacobs Wilke), Brookhaven (Supervisor Daniel J. Panico), Rye (Supervisor Gary Zuckerman), Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine emphasized both environmental restoration aims as well as broader economic or recreational revitalization benefits tied directly or indirectly to this round of state spending.
