In recognition of Earth Day, Governor Kathy Hochul has earmarked $60 million towards Green Resiliency Grants, which are designed specifically to aid New York's flood-risk communities. According to a recent announcement by the Governor's office, this funding comes from the Environmental Bond Act and aims to bolster the state's infrastructure against the escalating threats posed by severe weather events. The move follows Governor Hochul’s broader agenda for a sustainable future, focusing on clean water, resiliency, and job creation, while also striving to lessen the financial strain on local ratepayers.
The Environmental Bond Act, carrying a weight of $4.2 billion, continues to effectively pour investments into projects that aim to enhance water quality, temper pollution, and craft green jobs. Governor Hochul's Green Resiliency Grant program started in 2024, dispersing $60 million to initiate 13 projects across the state. The success of the initial round has fueled the launch of a second, which will continue to prioritize projects that offer significant risk reduction, to help communities not only to recover but also to truly thrive post-disaster. “On Earth Day, we're reminded that New Yorkers are on the front lines of increasingly dangerous and frequent extreme weather events," according to a statement from the Governor's office.
Key benefits cited from green infrastructure projects include enhanced stormwater management, leading to less flooding and more safeguarded properties. The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) will open this grant round on May 1, with details available on their website. EFC President & CEO Maureen A. Coleman commented on the positive impacts that the grants are set to bring, stating, "Families shouldn’t have to live with the fear of flooding every time it rains. With Governor Hochul’s support through the Green Resiliency Grant program, we’re giving communities the tools they need to build safer neighborhoods, cleaner waterways, and a stronger local economy," Coleman told the Governor's office.
Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Amanda Lefton spoke to the generational significance of these grants, explaining, “The $60 million grants announced today will provide significant support for local governments to implement transformative green infrastructure projects that will help make their communities more resilient to extreme weather caused by climate change across New York State,” according to the Governor's office. Similarly, State Senator Pete Harckham highlighted the collaborative efforts of the state leadership, asserting the need to proactively address the climate crisis's impact. Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick also emphasized the importance of preparing for the “new reality” of climate change and its repercussions on weather patterns and community welfare.
New York has consistently prioritized water quality, providing over $2.2 billion in funding through the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) for water infrastructure projects in Fiscal Year 2024. With Governor Hochul’s FY26 Executive Budget proposing an additional $500 million, the state’s total investment in water infrastructure since 2017 is on track to reach $6 billion—demonstrating a strong and ongoing commitment to sustainability and resilience across the Empire State.
