NYSEFC Announces It Will Now Accept Applications for the Green Innovation Grant Program

ALBANY, NY (09/29/2010)(readMedia)--

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) today announced that it will now accept applications to the 2010 Green Innovation Grant Program. The Green Innovation Grant Program will offer $15 million to municipalities, non-profits, and businesses seeking to implement progressive water conservation, energy efficient, and environmental projects. Applications for the program are due December 3, 2010.

The Green Innovation Grant Program aims to improve water quality and aquatic habitats, employing innovative and "green" projects throughout the State. These projects may range from building a bioenergy facility for farmers to mitigate non-point source pollution and generate energy, to planting bioswales and shrubbery in a busy urban intersection to treat stormwater.

Governor David A. Paterson said: "In one year, the Green Innovation Grant Program has implemented innovative, environmental projects from every corner of our State. This program has demonstrated that a progressive and efficient strategy to build the State's "green" economy works. I am very proud of the enthusiastic response to this unique program and its mission to protect our magnificent rivers, lakes, and streams."

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner and EFC Board Chairman Pete Grannis said: "New York is becoming a national leader in "green" infrastructure. Through this important initiative, we will help bring to communities a more sophisticated approach to water-related infrastructure. Instead of relying on 20th century approaches, local governments will be able to implement smart, sustainable, cutting-edge technologies to safely handle drinking water and wastewater -- all in a way that is good for the environment and local finances."

The Corporation will begin to accept applications September 29th, 2010, for Design and Construction Grants:

Design Grants: Applicants will receive a grant for up to 50% of their design costs, not exceeding $50,000 per project. Design will encompass the development of an engineering report and the evaluation of the "green" aspects of the project.

Construction Grants: Applicants will receive a grant for up to 90% of their construction costs, not exceeding $750,000 per project. Construction grants are eligible to cover associated design and planning costs.

EFC President and C.E.O. Matthew J. Driscoll said: "The Green Innovation Grant Program aims to keep our State at the forefront of "green" infrastructure planning. As the Corporation embarks on its evaluation of this year's applicants, it will seek out projects that are not only sustainable and innovative, but also those that are unique prototypes for future projects. As time passes, local contractors will become adept at undertaking "green" projects and investors will become more confident investing in "green" industry in New York."

In 2009, the Corporation established the Green Innovation Grant Program to fulfill the "green" building requirements as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, complying with the Clean Water Act and State Revolving Fund criteria. The program received grant requests totaling approximately $460 million to plan, design, and construct innovative, environmentally, and fiscally sustainable water infrastructure projects. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized this ground-breaking program by awarding the New York State Clean Water State Revolving Fund the 2009 PISCES Award for the Green Innovation Grant Program.

For more information about the Green Innovation Grant Program or the State Revolving Funds, please visit www.nysefc.org/gigp.

Posted Wednesday September 29, 2010 at 01:15 pm by New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation