New York State opened the floodgates for transformative environmental funding, and time is running out to apply.
The deadline to apply for funding under the New York State Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 is June 6, 2025. Approved by voters in November 2022, the initiative authorizes $4.2 billion in general obligation bonds to fund critical environmental and community projects across the state.
The Bond Act is built around five core goals:
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Safeguard drinking water sources
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Reduce pollution
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Protect communities and natural resources from climate change
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Improve resiliency
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Create thousands of green jobs across New York
In a historic move, at least 35% of the benefits, with a goal of 40%, are reserved for disadvantaged communities, recognizing that vulnerable populations often suffer the greatest environmental harm. Labor protections are also baked into the program, requiring prevailing wages and apprenticeship programs for large projects, with an estimated 84,000 green jobs expected to be created.
Funding is strategically divided across several major categories:
1. Climate Change Mitigation (Up to $1.5 Billion)
This category targets the fight against air pollution and global warming. Key investments include:
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$500 million minimum for zero-emission school buses and charging stations
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$400 million minimum for green building retrofits at public schools, state colleges, and government buildings
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$100 million minimum for climate adaptation and mitigation projects
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Up to $300 million for urban greening efforts like green roofs, community gardens, and carbon sequestration on farmland
2. Restoration and Flood Risk Reduction (Not Less Than $1.1 Billion)
New York will invest heavily in making communities safer from floods and restoring natural habitats, including:
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Coastal and shoreline resilience projects
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Dam removals and repairs
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Wetlands, streams, and floodplain restorations
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Forest conservation and endangered species protection
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Relocating or elevating infrastructure vulnerable to flooding
3. Water Quality Improvement and Resilient Infrastructure (Not Less Than $650 Million)
Protecting drinking water and updating aging infrastructure is a top priority:
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Wastewater treatment upgrades
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Lead service line replacements (with at least $200 million set aside)
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Replacing septic systems and stormwater improvements
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Reducing harmful algal blooms and agricultural runoff
4. Open Space Land Conservation and Recreation (Up to $650 Million)
New York will protect and expand access to nature through:
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Conservation of open lands and creation of new public recreation areas
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$150 million minimum for farmland conservation
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Upgrades to state fish hatcheries, parks, trails, and nature centers
5. Flexible Funds ($300 Million)
An additional $300 million can be applied to any of the above areas to ensure projects are fully supported.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include state entities, municipalities, and other authorized partners. Funds are distributed through competitive grant programs managed by various New York State agencies and authorities.
Examples of Eligible Projects:
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Installing thermal energy networks at SUNY campuses
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Purchasing fleets of zero-emission school buses
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Restoring wetlands and coastal areas to protect against sea-level rise
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Upgrading sewer systems and replacing aging lead pipes
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Developing new public parks and hiking trails
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Preserving farmland through easement programs
- New York State has launched a public website where residents can track the allocation and spending of Bond Act funds in real-time. Several grant programs are already open, covering municipal parks, resilient watersheds, inland waterways, and coastal rehabilitation.
How to Apply
Entities interested in securing funding must submit their applications no later than June 6, 2025.
Applications are being accepted through the official New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) Portal:
🔗 https://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/cfa
For detailed program information, eligibility guidelines, and grant instructions, visit the portal and select the appropriate funding opportunity.
This historic investment isn’t just about building projects, it’s about building a greener, stronger, and more resilient New York for generations to come.
