SHARE:  

January 2023

WATERSHED DIGEST
monthly newsletter
Update from the Hudson River Watershed Alliance

Late December Flooding hits the Hudson Valley

Hudson River Wateshed Alliance ophotos of flooding from December 23, 2022, clockwise from top left: Esopus Meadows Preserve in Esopus, Hudson River Maritime Museum in Kingston, Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie, and Delaware Avenue in Kingston.

Late December brought significant flooding across the Hudson River watershed, especially along the Hudson River, where higher than normal tides (spring tides) combined with storm surge and heavy rain fall (including rain on snow in some places) caused water levels to rise. This was primarily a coastal flooding event along the Hudson River, and water levels were highest at high tide around noon.


If you have photos of flooding in your area, you can submit them via Flood Watch in MyCoast, a website and app that collects and analyzes photos of flooding, which are linked to real-time environmental conditions to create reports. This information is extremely helpful for decision-makers to understand on-the-ground conditions to help plan for the next storm. MyCoast submissions are publicly viewable - see recent reports here. On December 23, people submitted numerous reports from Hudson River flooding, from Ossining in Westchester County to Bethlehem in Albany County, highlighting the regional impact of this event.

Visit MyCoast

The Hudson River Watershed Alliance and our partners New York Sea Grant help coordinate the Hudson River Flood Resilience Network, a group of riverfront communities working together to address their current and future flood risks. On December 23, we were out documenting conditions and sharing information with people in Saugerties, Kingston, Esopus, and Poughkeepsie.


The Flood Resilience Network comes together for site visits, Lunch and Learn sessions, and most recently for a Strategic Roadmap Session to guide planning for the future. Lissa Harris from the Times Union reported on that event, describing how climate change is already transforming the Hudson Valley and how municipalities like Kingston are adapting to waterfront flooding. The wastewater treatment plant flood barriers described in the article were at work on December 23, keeping the plant operating during high tide.

Breakfast Lecture Webinar Series

Hudson Estuary Trees for Tributaries Program


Thursday, February 9, 8:30-9:30 AM

Register here

Beth Roessler from NYS Department of Environmental Conservation will present on the Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs Program. This program provides free trees and shrubs and guidance for streamside planting projects. Plants are available for both public and privately-owned lands. Beth will describe the program’s history and provide recommendations for potential applicants.

 

Chet Kerr, Chair of the Greater Irvington Land Trust, and Sue Galloway of Dobbs Ferry will share their experience working with the Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs program to revegetate an area along the Saw Mill River in a newly formed park in the Village of Dobbs Ferry. They will describe their goals for planting this area and the collaboration between community volunteers and the Village of Dobbs Ferry, Groundwork Hudson Valley, and the Greater Irvington Land Trust to plan, prepare, plant and care for the new seedlings.

Photo: Hudson River Estuary Program

This program is supported by funding from the Hudson River Estuary Program, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, with support from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund, in cooperation with NEIWPCC.

Watch our December Breakfast Webinar: 

Dam Removal Case Studies

View the Recording

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) Hudson River Estuary Program provides grant funding to dam owners that are interested in removing their dam. Dam removal is a river restoration strategy that can reconnect stream habitat, improve water quality, and reduce flooding hazards. This can be an expensive and complex process that involves close collaboration with NYS DEC regulatory staff.


At our December webinar, Megan Lung from the NYS DEC Hudson River Estuary Program provided an overview of funding opportunities for dam removal. Michael Fraatz, Biologist from NYS DEC Bureau of Ecosystem Health, discussed a historic dam on the Moodna Creek and his role reviewing the work plan, monitoring compliance during removal and restoration of impacted areas post-construction. And Suzette Lopane, Landscape Architect from Westchester County Planning Department, shared information on their work removing barriers on the Furnace Brook in Westchester County.

This program is supported by funding from the Hudson River Estuary Program, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, with support from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund, in cooperation with NEIWPCC.

New Resource: Nature-based Solutions Funding Database

The National Wildlife Federation has launched a new tool which complies funding sources for nature-based solutions. The Nature-Based Solutions Funding Database features filter functions including: eligibility, cost sharing, support type, purpose, and agency.

FOR STUDENTS - SCHOLARSHIPS

The New York Water Environment Association will be offering over $50,000 in scholarships in 2023 for current or upcoming college students.


Learn more

McKeon Research Grant

Application Deadline: February 7, 2023


The McKeon Research Grant is available for High School and Undergraduate student research on environmental issues in the Hudson Valley. Grants of up to $1,000 will be given to help defray the cost of summer field work.


Learn more

Opportunities

JOB POSTINGS:


City of Poughkeepsie: Planning Director (Deadline: February 28, 2023)

More information


This is an administrative position involving responsibility for planning, organizing, and directing the work of the City of Poughkeepsie planning division. An employee in this class will be required to lead and participate in the formulation, periodic analysis, and revision of a comprehensive planning program. The work is performed under the general direction of a higher-level administrator with considerable leeway allowed for the use of independent judgment in carrying out the details of the work. Supervision is exercised over the subordinate staff in the planning division. Application closing date: February 28, 2023.

 



Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Ulster County: Lead Executive Director

More information


The Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Ulster County is seeking a Lead Executive Director. The organization is looking for an effective leader, to help develop a compelling and contemporary vision for Extension programming to stakeholders, both internal and external. They will be expected to provide high level leadership and management of the Association within Cornell and to set local policy direction. The Lead Executive Director will develop and maintain effective working relationships among staff, other extension Associations, Hudson Valley Shared Business Network, Hudson Valley Laboratory, Extension administration, Cornell faculty, and stakeholders. This position will build positive relationships with legislators, local government leaders, community leaders, funding agencies, and civic groups. The Lead Executive Director will exercise professional judgment and executive skills in administering overall Association operations. This position provides leadership in overall educational program development and implementation, sets program priorities, provides leadership for the ongoing development of a welcoming and inclusive organizational climate for diversity, and assures program integration across disciplines and within the broader Extension system. The Lead Executive Director is expected to develop enhanced revenue streams to sustain and grow Association programming.



Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Ulster County: Watershed Educator

More information


The Cornell Cooperative Extension Ulster County Watershed Educator assists with developing and delivers stream and floodplain education programs to primarily adult audiences, including members of the public, landowners, and local municipal officials that benefit from watershed science and policy education. Occasionally the Watershed Educator will contribute to delivering youth education programs. The position is primarily located at the Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program (AWSMP) office in Shokan, NY. The work framework is hybrid. There is a variable in-office schedule determined by the timing of programs and events (including occasional nights and weekends), contractual office staffing requirements, in-person stakeholder meetings, field work, and preparation, response, and recovery from floods. When not required to be in the office, remote work is possible.



Environmental Advocates of New York: Legislative and Communities Associate

More information

 

Environmental Advocates of New York is seeking a Legislative and Communities Associate who will support the Deputy Director in advancing our healthy communities policy priorities, including but not limited to addressing New York’s solid waste and plastic pollution crisis, eliminating toxic chemicals from our homes and food, and advancing our advocacy and education around the Environmental Rights in the State Constitution. The associate will lead our legislative tracking and bill memo management work.  



Environmental Advocates NY: Director of Campaigns

More information

 

Environmental Advocates of New York seeks a Director of Campaigns who will be responsible for setting goals and implementing projects that engage partner organizations, community-based organizations and individuals, and local governments in education and advocacy efforts. Using grassroots advocacy to effect policy change and to organize advocates for the purpose of holding state leaders accountable on environmental issues, this position will engage a sizable activist and partner network to advocate for environmental legislation and regulations, implementation and enforcement of state environmental laws and policies, including but not limited to implementation of the State’s climate law, electrification of transport and building sectors, development of water standards for emerging contaminants, and protection of source waters. The Director of Campaigns position is a full-time, exempt, management position that reports to the Deputy Director and oversees our community outreach and engagement efforts.



Hudson River Sloop Clearwater: Environmental Action Director

More information


Clearwater is currently seeking a full time Environmental Action Director to join our fast-paced, environmentally minded team. Clearwater’s Environmental Action Director will identify major environmental issues related to Clearwater’s mission to protect the ecology of the Hudson River and the quality of life of people living in the Hudson River Valley. They will develop strategies, position statements, campaigns, education materials, and programs that assure maximum public outreach and effective action to attain these goals.



Hudson River Sloop Clearwater: Onboard Program Coordinators

More information


Clearwater is currently looking to fill our two Onboard Program Coordinator positions for the 2023 season. The Onboard Program Coordinator positions will begin on a part-time basis on February 1, 2023 and ramp up to full-time in March. Onboard Program Coordinators will work 20 hours a week setting up the season’s Onboard Volunteer Program and recruiting for the summer’s Youth Empowerment Programs. They will also prepare materials and curricula for the season and assist with facilitating programs (i.e. virtual programs, tabling) as needed. This work will be done remotely for the most part, with occasional trips to the office in Beacon, NY as well as other locations throughout the Hudson Valley and NYC for program facilitation.



Hudson River Park Trust: Science and Stewardship Coordinator

More information


This newly created position will support the administration and field work associated with active research and habitat enhancement projects in Hudson River Park (the “Park). The Science & Stewardship Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the logistics, scheduling and reporting related to Park research, long-term monitoring plans, visiting scientists and research interns, and for supporting the expansion of this program including through increased partnerships. Keen attention to detail, creativity, and strong communication skills will be necessary to help coordinate the many moving pieces of such projects with other internal departments, external partners and regulatory agencies to ultimately further the Trust’s mission of enhancing, protecting and being a steward of the Hudson River Park Estuarine Sanctuary (the “Sanctuary”). The Science & Stewardship Coordinator will also help manage the Trust’s Science Leadership Program for students from communities historically underrepresented in STEM fields. 



Hudson Valley Regional Council: Water Resources Coordinator

More information

 

We are seeking applicants for a full-time Water Resources Coordinator. The federal Clean Water Act provides for funding to states for regional water quality management planning activities. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awards 604(b) grants to states, which in turn make awards to regional planning and interstate organizations. Working under HVRC’s 604(b) Water Quality Planning Program grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), the successful applicant will provide technical assistance to municipalities, coordinate water resources outreach, and create and participate in watershed planning activities in the seven-county Mid-Hudson Region.



Keep Rockland Beautiful: Cleanup Coordinator

More information

 

The Cleanup Coordinator supports the promotion, planning, coordination and implementation of Keep Rockland Beautiful’s bi-annual cleanup and environmental education campaigns – the Great American Cleanup April – May & the Fall Waterways Cleanup September – November. The position provides a balance of outdoor and indoor work and a significant opportunity to build relationships in the community and to grow in major areas of responsibility and leadership.



Lower East Side Ecology Center: Stewardship Coordinator

More information


The Ecology Center seeks someone who is deeply motivated to inspire environmental stewardship and volunteerism within people of all ages and skills. The stewardship coordinator will be responsible for organizing and carrying out stewardship activities such as: gardening, creation of green infrastructure, wildlife habitat restoration, and street tree care. This person will also be responsible for launching our new Horticulture Workforce Training Program that introduces youth to sustainable horticultural practices. The Stewardship Coordinator must be committed to environmental justice and be comfortable interacting with a wide-range of individuals from a variety of social, ethnic and organizational backgrounds. 




Mohonk Preserve: Climate and Forestry Intern

More information

 

The Climate and Forestry Intern will assist with the development of a climate-adapted eastern hemlock forest management plan for ~1,000 acres of forest at the Mohonk Preserve. From January to May 2023 (approximately 10 hrs./week; may be completed remotely), the intern will assist with the spatial analysis of forest inventory and other relevant datasets (e.g., sensitive species presence, high use recreation areas, etc.) and drafting a management plan. Between May and August 2023, the intern will assist with collecting and analyzing pre-treatment stand data (approximately 35 hours/week; onsite). The position is supervised by the Applied Forest Ecologist and also requires working closely with other Conservation Programs and Mohonk Preserve staff. This $20/hour, grant-funded position runs from approximately January – August 2023.



Mohonk Preserve: Seasonal Environmental Educator

More information


We are seeking an environmental educator who loves the outdoors and enjoys sharing nature with children and the public. The Preserve has exceptional environmental education programs for all ages, including in-school programs, field studies, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), public and teen programs, and more. Reporting to our Director of Education, our Seasonal Environmental Educator is responsible for leading outdoor education programs and hikes, ensuring the safety and supervision of program participants, and delivery of outreach programs to schools, libraries and the community. Organizational and positive interpersonal skills are a must. This non-exempt position is seasonal and part-time from March 20-December 31, 2023. If successful, there is potential to return for an additional 10 months.



New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: Research Scientist, Water Pollution

More information


NYSDEC is seeking a Water Pollution Research Scientist to Compile and analyze data to help set Lake Champlain program priorities and identify appropriate best management practices to achieve water quality goals to determine the reductions that will be achieved through program implementation, and to support the TMDL development.

• Conduct research, data analysis and interpretation of environmental data to assist in development and targeted implementation of non-point source best management practices (BMPs) with consideration of climate change. Analyze data in applicable watershed models to evaluate BMP effectiveness, model credits, cost benefit, and relevance to existing DEC programs.

• Research nonpoint source BMPs (e.g. urban and agricultural) and the associated coefficients to measure water quality benefits.

• Provide technical support and maintain effective working relationships with non-Departmental experts and the public and participate in the Division of Water’s research related workgroups.



New York Restoration Project: Community Outreach Manager

More information


As a member of NYRP’s Engagement and Programming team, the Community Outreach Manager will design and implement an outreach plan as part of NYRP’s New York City Housing Authority’s (NYCHA) Greening Connections Initiative. The Fund for Public Housing, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, in partnership with NYCHA and the Design Trust for Public Space, is administering a 3-year grant that will develop and activate greenspace using engagement principles of NYCHA’s Connected Communities’ Guide. The grant term runs from January 2023 through July 2025. The project will be informed by an in-depth participatory design process that engages NYCHA residents in collaboration with greenspace and community partners. The Community Outreach Manager will work closely with residents from the Marlboro and Roosevelt Houses in Brooklyn, NY, as part of this initiative. This position will work closely with and report to the Senior Director of Engagement and Programming.



New York State Water Resources Institute: Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator

More information


This position represents a partnership between NYSWRI and the Invasive Species Coordination Section (ISCS) of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Lands and Forests and will act as an Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator (AIS) based within DEC Region 3 to proactively advance the management of AIS within this region. The ISCS is responsible for coordinating New York State’s comprehensive approach to all taxa of invasive species and for supporting programs via partnerships with state and federal agencies, academia, conservation organizations, private organizations, and the public. Major efforts include: prevention, early detection, facilitating responses, coordinating control and management projects at large-scales, coordinating and collaborating on research projects, and remaining current on invasive species detection and management techniques. The ISCS also serves as liaison to the NY Invasive Species Council (NYISC: established in statute; nine State agencies co-lead by the Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Agriculture and Markets) and the NY Invasive Species Advisory Committee (established in statute to advise the NYSIC; 25 non-governmental entities).



New York State Water Resources Institute: Restoration Hydrologist

More information


The NYSWRI Restoration Hydrologist will work to increase the ecosystem health and flood resilience of NY’s streams. More specifically, they will provide road-stream crossing modeling and outreach support to improve the effectiveness of mitigation and restoration efforts focused on, 1) improving aquatic species passage; 2) reducing or eliminating hydraulic constrictions; and 3) incorporating climate change science into road-stream crossing and floodplain management analyses.



Riverkeeper: Staff Attorney or Senior Staff Attorney

More information


Riverkeeper is seeking a Staff Attorney or Senior Attorney to join our well-respected legal team and contribute to Riverkeeper’s presence and effectiveness in the Hudson River, its tributaries, and the watershed that provides New York City’s drinking water. As part of the legal team, the Attorney will advance Riverkeeper’s policy goals of fishable, swimmable waterways, and clean drinking water through litigation, advocacy, public education, and public outreach. This position is part Riverkeeper’s Legal Program and reports to the Legal Program Director. The geographic work area is the Hudson River watershed and the watersheds surrounding New York City (the “watersheds”).  



River Network: Drinking Water Program Associate

More Information


River Network seeks an early career professional to support our work on access to clean, safe, affordable and resilient drinking water. Individuals with interest and experience in the following areas are encouraged to apply: drinking water/utility access and affordability, water infrastructure funding and management (drinking water, sewer and stormwater), water and climate change resilience, adaptation and nature-based solutions, public policy and/or public health, environmental justice and conservation issues. This role is fully remote and the ideal candidate has comfort and experience with managing projects with remote team members. This position will focus heavily on both interview and desktop research and writing; the ability to synthesize complex information for a broad audience is a must. The position will also be public-facing and require regular communication and collaboration with our external partners.



River Network: Resilient Communities & Policy Associate

More Information


River Network seeks an early career professional to support our work on climate resilient communities and equitable water policy. Individuals with experience in the following areas are encouraged to apply: climate and community resilience strategies, state and federal public policy research and synthesis, climate justice, and/or water issues. We are looking for someone who is comfortable working remotely and has project management skills and experience. This position will focus heavily on both interview and desktop research and writing. The ability to clearly synthesize complex information for a broad audience is a must. The position will also be public facing and require regular communication and collaboration with our external partners. The primary objective of this position is to support the River Programs team with research, writing and communications at the intersection of our work on resilient communities and equitable water policies and laws. The person hired for this position will serve as researcher, writer, synthesizer, and connector, helping to advance our programmatic work in areas described below. 



Scenic Hudson: Advocacy Community Organizer

More information

 

Under the direction of the Director of Environmental Advocacy and Legal Affairs, Scenic Hudson seeks an Environmental Outreach Organizer to coordinate community engagement in advocacy campaigns, develop strategic messages, and grow and diversify grassroots coalitions in support of Scenic Hudson’s mission. The position requires previous experience in one or more of the following areas: grassroots organizing, coalition building, legislative works, civic education, political campaigns, strategic message development and/or social marketing. General familiarity with environmental policy required. Organizational and time management skills are essential. Proficiency in the Spanish language a plus. Experience using social media as an advocacy or outreach tool required.

 


Scenic Hudson: River Cities Community Engagement Organizer

More information


Scenic Hudson is seeking a highly effective, experienced, organized and creative thinker to serve as a Community Engagement Organizer for the organization’s River Cities program. The Community Engagement Organizer will engage in a wide range of activities—including developing strategy, community outreach and organizing, coalition building, and education—to advance Scenic Hudson’s goal of Hudson Valley cities and towns becoming more equitable, economically vibrant, environmentally healthy and reflective of the needs of all people. The Community Engagement Organizer will be a collaborative and dynamic team member who will develop, coordinate and implement organizing strategies related to environmental justice, food access, neighborhood revitalization to connect people to the Hudson River and other natural resources. This is a three-year term-limited position.

 


Scenic Hudson: Communications Associate

More information

 

Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail, Inc. is seeking a talented and enthusiastic Communications Associate to support the Communications Manager with digital and traditional media and content projects. We are looking for a results-oriented candidate with excellent written and verbal communications skills; a strategic thinker with a positive, can-do attitude; and a commitment to the environment and outdoor recreation. The Communications Associate will be responsible for a broad range of communications, marketing and public relations duties. The ability to handle multiple projects concurrently is essential.

 


Scenic Hudson: Director of River Cities Program

More information

 

The Director of River Cities takes a lead role in advancing our multi-faceted projects in several Hudson River cities. They will develop strategies, initiatives and projects that create or enhance community access to parks, trails, community gardens, and other green spaces, in partnership with residents and other stakeholders. The goal is to create tangible outcomes rooted in environmental justice and equitable planning that meet our organization’s mission and community needs. The ideal candidate will be a boundary spanner and a bridge builder, capable of creating, nurturing and maintaining connections between Scenic Hudson and a diverse set of stakeholders, applying the latest innovations in inclusive community development, urban planning and environmental justice to our work.

 


Scenic Hudson: Land History Research Assistant (Consultant)

More information

 

The Land History Research Project is aimed at helping to create more inclusive spaces at Scenic Hudson land(s) by honoring the living history of the land and recognizing the heritage of its people — past and present. The Research Assistant (Consultant Role) is responsible for researching topics related to the history of specific Scenic Hudson lands. This temporary consultant position will establish a research calendar based on specific priorities, carry out said research, and report research findings under the supervision of the Communications Director and in tandem with the Parks and Community Engagement Department. Due to the sensitive nature of the material, the consultant would need to sign a confidentiality agreement upon engagement.

 


Scenic Hudson: Poets’ Walk Park Gatekeeper

More information

 

The mission of the Gatekeeper position is to limit use of Poets’ Walk Park to the permitted daylight hours of operation. The PWP Gatekeeper must possess punctuality, diligence, and commitment. The position requires a responsible individual who has attention to detail and can be a friendly and welcoming presence when at the park and in contact with visitors. Must have a demonstrated interest for equity and inclusion or all people enjoying our parks.



Wallkill Valley Land Trust: Part-Time Temporary In-Person Survey Interviewer

More information


Seeking an outgoing, personable individual to administer bilingual survey questions (Spanish & English) in-person at designated sites across eastern Ulster County using a tablet. Surveys are being used to understand the needs of users and non-users of outdoor recreational areas. You should be comfortable approaching diverse strangers and initiating conversations in a friendly manner. Bias training will be provided. All surveying will take place in public locations during daytime hours. This is a temporary contractual (1099) position that pays $24 per hour for up to a maximum of 40 hours within the given date range. The timeline is from July 18-August 26. Payment will be administered in two parts: $480 after the first 20 hours are complete and $480 after the remaining 20 hours are complete. College credit offered.



GRANTS & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE:


National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): Effects of Sea Level Rise (ESLR) Technical Assistance

Deadline: January 25, 2023 (Letter of Inquiry)

More Information


OAA/NOS/National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS)/Competitive Research Program (CRP)  is soliciting proposals for the Effects of Sea Level Rise Program (ESLR) Technical Assistance. ESLR is a multidisciplinary research program that emphasizes the use of integrated models and tools of dynamic physical and biological processes capable of evaluating vulnerability and resilience of our coasts under multiple sea level rise (SLR), inundation, and management scenarios to inform coastal restoration, land management, and planning activities. This funding aims to support approaches capable of evaluating the performance of natural and conventional flood mitigation projects and policy changes to subsequently inform the development of applications to other granting programs that can support the flood mitigation projects and planning exercises. The term mature references that the model must be capable of providing the capacity requested without further advancement or substantial data collection. NCCOS/CRP may reject any proposals submitted with an annual budget that is greater than $250,000 for any year. 



Land and Water Conservation Fund: Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Grants Program

More information

Early deadline: January 31, 2023, Deadline: May 31, 2023

 

ORLP is a nationally competitive program targeting grant assistance to help economically disadvantaged urban communities with no, or almost no, access to publicly available, close-by, outdoor recreation. Funds can be used for the acquisition and/or development of, or to substantially renovate obsolete, public parks and other outdoor recreation spaces. Projects are selected for funding by the Director of the NPS. Matching grants (1:1) are available to help acquire and/or develop public land for all manner of outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, camping, unstructured play, picnicking, cycling, field and court sports, fishing, bird watching, swimming, paddling, and skating. Funds can be used for directly recreational facilities as well as some supporting facilities and infrastructure such as restrooms/bathhouses, cabins, pool houses, lighting, parking areas, etc. when part of a larger project to develop recreation facilities.

 

 

Hudson Valley Greenway: Hudson River Valley Greenway Grant Program

Deadlines: February 3, May 5, September 1, November 3

More information


The Hudson River Valley Greenway Grant Program provides matching grants to Greenway Communities and Compact Communities. Greenway Communities are eligible to receive up to $10,000 to develop plans or projects consistent with the five Greenway criteria: natural and cultural resource protection, economic development, public access, regional planning, and heritage and environmental education. Higher amounts are awarded for intermunicipal projects.



Hudson River Foundation: Small Grants for Innovation and Synthesis. Submission Deadline: January 27, 2022

More information


The Hudson River Foundation will be supporting 2-5 innovative projects focused on understanding current and emerging issues for the Hudson River. Proposals should address issues consistent with the Hudson River Foundation’s mission to provide important scientific insights needed to inform and advance decision making pertinent to the management and restoration of the Hudson River ecosystem. Areas of interest include: Social, Cultural and/or Economic Drivers of Change in the HRE and its Watershed; Climate Change Impacts on the Ecosystem; and Emerging and/or Understudied Issues of Concern. All prospective applicants must contact the Foundation to discuss their proposals prior to submission.



Department of Homeland Security: Flood Mitigation Assistance by January 27, 2023

More information

 

The Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) competitive grant program provides funding for projects that reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings insured by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Local governments, including cities, townships, counties, special district governments, and tribal governments should apply directly to NY State. All sub-applicants must be participating in the NFIP. Check here for your community’s NFIP status, and here for more information and how to apply

 


Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities due January 27, 2023

More information

 

The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) competitive grant program provides funding for natural hazard risk reduction activities that mitigate risk to public infrastructure, disadvantaged communities, and community hubs. The funds are also intended for projects that enhance climate resilience and/or incorporate nature-based solutions where applicable. This year, these programs will prioritize projects that benefit marginalized communities to further environmental justice. Click here for more information and how to apply. 



New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: High Hazard Dam Repair Grants, Submission Deadline: February 10, 2023

More information


New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced $564,925 in grant funding (up to $100,000 per project) is now available to assist eligible dam owners with infrastructure repair costs. Funding is provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) High Hazard Potential Dam grant program. DEC is accepting applications for grants to assist with technical, planning, design, and other pre-construction activities associated with the rehabilitation of eligible dams classified as High Hazard dams.



EPA Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Program (Rolling)

More information


EPA announced $6.5 Billion in New Funding Available for Water Infrastructure Projects and released notices of funding availability for the agency’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program and the State Infrastructure Financing Authority WIFIA (SWIFIA) program. Letters of interest will be accepted on a rolling basis until all funds are expended. If you're interested in scheduling a one-on-one meeting with the WIFIA program to explore this funding opportunity, please reach out to wifia@epa.gov. Visit the WIFIA website to learn more about the WIFIA program's eligibility requirements, and benefits, application process, and portfolio. Also, check out the WIFIA Fund Facts Dashboard.



River Network: Community Leadership Programs for Climate Resilience

More information

 

River Network is looking to launch 5-7 NEW Community-Led Research (CLR) projects and Leadership Development (LD) programs in partnership with local organizations. Selected organizations receive up to $8,000 in funding and direct technical assistance to advance their project. We are particularly interested in partnering with organizations that are: 1. working to advance climate resilience, 2. focused on equitable outcomes and a credible stakeholder with communities that are at greatest risk, and 3. able to leverage or contribute to existing climate resilience initiatives.



New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health: Applications for Free Technical Assistance for Municipalities on Drinking Water Source Protection Program (DWSP2) (rolling)

More information


The Drinking Water Source Protection Program (DWSP2) is a state-run program created to assist municipalities with proactively protecting their drinking water sources. The goal is to help municipalities develop and implement their own unique drinking water source protection plan for the source(s) of their drinking water. In order to do so, the State is looking for communities to work with a technical assistance provider (TA provider), free of charge, to develop a DWSP2 Plan for their source of drinking water. TA providers will work with the community every step of the way, using the DWSP2 Framework, to develop a community specific DWSP2 Plan. As a result of this program, participating municipalities can use their newly developed DWSP2 plan to start implementing protection measures.



NYS DEC: Climate Smart Communities Coordinators Technical Assistance

More information


Climate Smart Communities Coordinators are available to provide free support services to municipalities across the state as part of the Climate Smart Communities program. Coordinators will assist and support local governments in taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change through outreach, planning, education, and capacity building. Coordinators will also engage communities in participatory climate future scenario planning, developing climate change adaptation and resilience plans, and convening climate and transportation listening sessions to inform sustainable and low-carbon transportation policies. Capital District Regional Planning Commission will lead the multi-region Climate Smart Communities Coordinators teams for the eastern territory (Mid-Hudson, Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, and North Country). Program partners include the Adirondack North Country Association, the Hudson Valley Regional Council, Mohawk Valley EDGE, Planning4Places, Inc, and Climate Action Associates.



Assistance from EPA’s Municipal Ombudsman

The Office of the Municipal Ombudsman provides a unique service specifically for utilities/municipalities in identifying technical assistance opportunities, brainstorming federal funding options (BIL and more!), clean water act flexibilities, integrated planning assistance, and more. Please reach out to municipalombudsman@epa.gov or 202-564-1709 to discuss your projects, permits, or other clean water concerns today.

The Hudson River Watershed Alliance unites and empowers communities to protect our shared waters.

Donate
Website
Facebook  Instagram  Youtube