Managed by the CWC, this grant program is intended to improve the quality of life and enhance water supply protection through long-term land use, zoning, pollution and open space controls.

Eligible projects might include

• comprehensive land use plans
• zoning laws
• open space requirements for development projects
• highway maintenance plans
• environmental protection laws

Maximum grants are $50,000. CWC in consultation with NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) shall evaluate and recommend proposals to the CWC Board based on the expected benefit to quality of life and water quality relative to the cost of the project.

While no matching funds are required, the availability of matching funds and/or any comprehensive strategy developed by the applicant may be considered by CWC during the selection process.

A solicitation for proposals to develop Generic Environmental Impact Statements (GEIS) and other plans to anticipate water quality impacts of potential development in the Schoharie Reservoir Basin resulted in the award of several grants for municipal projects. The DEP is funding the projects under terms of a 2006 SPDES permit issued by the NYS DEC to the City for its discharges of turbid water from the Schoharie Reservoir via the Shandaken Tunnel into the Esopus Creek and Ashokan Reservoir.