The purpose of this grant agreement is to support new york in implementing the management mechanisms established under the chesapeake BAY watershed agreement, particularly programs for control and…

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 3 awarded $4.11M to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation under the Geographic Programs - Chesapeake Bay Program Implementation grant (CFDA 66.964) for the period October 1, 2025, through August 31, 2028. The award supports New York's implementation of management mechanisms established under the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement, with primary focus on controlling and abating nonpoint source nutrient and sediment pollution in the state's portion of the watershed. Deliverables include implementation of best management practices (BMPs) to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution, comprehensive tracking and verification of implemented BMPs, technical assistance and training for partner organizations engaged in Chesapeake Bay restoration activities, and capacity support for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to conduct quality assurance reviews of state-certified Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) planners.

The award incorporates subawards totaling significant funding to the Upper Susquehanna Coalition (USC) for BMP implementation, tracking, and administration of the Water Quality Improvement Program (WQIP), which funds projects designed to improve water quality, restore habitats, and expand outreach activities within New York's Chesapeake Bay watershed region. The expected outcomes align with Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement goals, directly reducing nutrient and sediment loads entering the Bay and its tributaries to improve aquatic living resources and water quality. Primary beneficiaries include the Chesapeake Bay Program Partnership, watershed residents, human health, and the environment.

The purpose of this grant agreement is to support new york in implementing the management mechanisms established under the chesapeake BAY watershed agreement, particularly programs for control and abatement of nonpoint source nutrient and sediment pollution. Activities:activities to be performed under this award include but are not limited to implementation of best management practices (BMPS) to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution; tracking, reporting, and verification of BMPS implemented; technical assistance and training for partner organizations related to chesapeake BAY restoration activities; and capacity support for the new york state department of agriculture and markets to perform quality assurance reviews of new york state-certified AEM planners working in the chesapeake BAY watershed.subrecipient:funding will be subawarded to the upper susquehanna coalition (USC) to support best management practices (BMP) implementation and tracking, as well as funding the water quality improvement program (WQIP) to support projects that improve water quality, restore habitats, and fund additional outreach activities within new york's portion of the chesapeake BAY watershed. Outcomes:this project supports achievement of the goals and outcomes of the chesapeake BAY watershed agreement. The expected outcome of this award is direct reduction of nutrient and sediment loads into the chesapeake BAY watershed, with emphasis on maintaining the water quality necessary to improve the aquatic living resources of the chesapeake BAY and its tributaries. Beneficiaries include the chesapeake BAY program partnership, residents of the chesapeake BAY watershed, human health, and the environment.