Hudson River Estuary Grants Available -- by the Half Moon Press

October, 2000 issue

Hudson River Estuary Grants Available Governor George Pataki recently announced that grant proposals are being solicited from non-profit organizations and municipalities throughout the Hudson Valley for projects that assist local efforts to protect and preserve natural resources in the Hudson River Estuary.

"The Hudson River is among the mightiest and most beautiful rivers in our nation and throughout history it has provided outstanding recreational, cultural and economic benefits for the people of New York State," Governor Pataki said. "This grant program strengthens our existing partnerships with local organizations that share our vision of a healthy, dynamic Hudson River and charts a course for an even more promising future.

The Hudson River Estuary grants Program was initiated in 1999 to implement priorities contained in the Hudson River Estuary Action Plan through local partnerships. The grants range from $2,500 to $100,000 in five categories: Interpretation and Education; Habitat Preservation and/or Restoration; Local Scenic Resources; Community Conservation and Stewardship; and Public River Access.

Municipalities and not-for-profit organizations are eligible to apply for grants, funded from the State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and administered by the State Department of Environmental Education (DEC). The grant program can provide up to 75 percent of a project's total cost. A grant recipient must provide the remaining 25 percent in local funding or other matching funds.

Grants are available for groups located in the 12 counties that border the Hudson River Estuary from the Bronx to Albany and Rensselaer.

The Hudson River Estuary is defined as the tidal waters of the Hudson River, including the tidal waters of the tributaries and wetlands from the federal dam in Troy, Rensselaer County, to the Verrazano Narrows.

In May, Governor Pataki announced the first-ever grants funded by the Estuary Program. In all, 33 organizations from throughout the Hudson Valley received a total of nearly $1.2 million to implement grass-roots projects that restore and enhance the Hudson River.

Applications must be postmarked or delivered to the DEC no later than October 31. For more information, or to request an application, contact John Albert, DEC grants administrator, by call (518) 457-4208. Applications may also be requested by writing DEC Estuary Grants Program, c/o John Albert, 50 Wolf Road, Room 438, Albany, NY 12233-4255.