City Pledges $4M More for Local Green Projects

New York City’s Green Infrastructure Program will give out up to $4 million more in grants to build green roofs, rain gardens, rainwater harvesting, right-of-way bioswales and other projets to reduce and manage stormwater.

The new grants aim to improve water quality by reducing sewer overflows. During heavy storms, New York City’s sewer system can exceed capacity and overflow with storm and wastewater into New York Harbor.

Back in January, the DEP pledged to use new technology to , a federal superfund site.

"Green" initiatives to clean up the canal included include swales, tree beds and green roofs to collect water, while also building improved sewers.

“We were thrilled with the quality of applications that we received for the first round of grants and we are excited to see again the innovative ideas that local communities will develop to deal with stormwater where it falls and, in doing so, help improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Carter Strickland.

The project funding is open to private property owners, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations that use green infrastructure to reduce or manage stormwater on private property and public sidewalks. Preference for these grants will be given to projects in DEP’s priority watersheds and those that will use the least amount of energy and increase awareness about stormwater management.

Applications may be found at www.nyc.gov/dep, and the deadline is February 15, 2012. The DEP is also hosting a grant workshop at Brooklyn Borough Hall Courtroom, 209 Joralemon Street (2nd floor), from 6 to 8 p.m. on December 1.