2025_LWRP_RFA.pdf

RFA #25-LWRP-9

New York State Department of State Office of Planning, Development & Community Infrastructure

Environmental Protection Fund Local Waterfront Revitalization Program

2025 – 2026 REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

RFA Release Date: May 19, 2025. This Request for Applications (RFA) and additional grant resources have been posted on the Department of State’s (Department or DOS) website at https://dos.ny.gov/funding-bid-opportunities. All applicants are encouraged to read the RFA in its entirety as grant program requirements may change from year to year.

RFA Updates/Questions: Any updates and/or modifications to this RFA will be posted on the Department’s website at: https://dos.ny.gov/funding-bid-opportunities.

Written questions will be accepted until June 20, 2025. Questions should be submitted by e-mail to LWRP@dos.ny.gov or in writing to the address below. When corresponding by e-mail, clearly indicate the subject as: “25-LWRP-9 RFA Questions”.

To the degree possible, each inquiry should cite the RFA section and paragraph to which it refers. Responses to questions received by June 20th will be posted by July 11th on the Department’s website at: DOS Funding & Bid Opportunities website. No responses will be provided to inquiries made by telephone, social media, or by contacting DOS staff directly via email or telephone.

It is recommended all applicants review the final responses. The responses to questions received during this time period will be official responses by the Department to questions and will be incorporated into this Request for Applications.

Workshops & Webinars: A schedule of regional workshops and webinars which provide an overview of the application process and program requirements are available at:

http://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/. Recorded webinars are also posted on the DOS Funding & Bid Opportunities website.

Applications Due: Applications are due by 4:00 PM, July 31, 2025, and must be submitted through the web-based Consolidated Funding Application, as noted below.

Application Submission: To apply, or to access related Consolidated Funding Application materials, go to:

http://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/

Contact: NYS DOS Office of Planning, Development & Community Infrastructure

Attn: LWRP RFA Questions 99 Washington Avenue, Suite 1010 Albany, NY 12231 LWRP@dos.ny.gov

Letter of Support: Letters of support are encouraged and can be submitted through the CFA portal. Letters may be addressed to: NYS Secretary of State, c/o Office of Planning, Development and Community Infrastructure, 99 Washington Avenue, Suite 1010, Albany, NY 12231.

https://dos.ny.gov/funding-bid-opportunities https://dos.ny.gov/funding-bid-opportunities mailto:LWRP@dos.ny.gov https://dos.ny.gov/funding-bid-opportunities http://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/ https://dos.ny.gov/funding-bid-opportunities https://dos.ny.gov/funding-bid-opportunities http://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/ mailto:lwrp@dos.ny.gov

Environmental Protection Fund Local Waterfront Revitalization Program RFA 2025 – 2026 RFA #25-LWRP-9

Local Waterfront Revitalization Program

2025 – 2026 REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

I. INTRODUCTION

II. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

III. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

IV. ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES

V. REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPLEMENTATION AND CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

VI. FUNDING AND BUDGET GUIDANCE

VII. AWARD METHOD

VIII. APPLICATION EVALUATION CRITERIA

IX. NEW YORK STATE SMART GROWTH PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE POLICY ACT

X. CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

XI. SATISFACTORY PROGRESS

XII. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

I. INTRODUCTION

The NYS Department of State (Department or DOS) is soliciting applications through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (EPF LWRP) from eligible villages, towns, cities located along New York’s coasts or designated inland waterways, counties (with the written consent and acting on behalf of one or more eligible villages, towns, cities), or regional planning councils (RPCs) (with the written consent and acting on behalf of one or more eligible villages, towns, cities) to advance the preparation or implementation of strategies for community and waterfront revitalization through the following grant categories:

• Preparing or Updating a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP), including Updating an LWRP to be More Resilient to Climate Risks

• Preparing an LWRP Component, including a Watershed Management Plan

• Implementing an LWRP or a completed LWRP Component

New York State’s approach to managing waterfront areas recognizes that municipalities are in the best position to determine their own waterfront objectives and needs in a manner consistent with the goals and requirements of the Waterfront Revitalization and Coastal Resources Act. Accordingly, the Department encourages waterfront communities to prepare and implement Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs (LWRPs) with financial and technical assistance provided through this grant program. See Section IV. Eligible Activities for more information on each grant categories.

The Department encourages applications for projects which achieve more resilient waterfront communities. New York communities are increasingly vulnerable to more intense and frequent rain events, extreme heat, drought, and greater flooding and shoreline erosion caused by heavy rain, runoff, intense winds, and wave action which have been exacerbated by climate change.

To help address these issues and improve community readiness to apply for construction funding through the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act and other funding sources, in this solicitation, the Department is prioritizing applications to prepare a planning or feasibility study and/or design for:

• Projects that preserve, restore, and/or enhance natural landscapes that protect water quality and catalyze waterfront revitalization and projects that lead to the preservation or restoration of natural landscapes, such as forests, floodplains and wetlands, dunes, estuaries, marshes, riparian zones, riverine systems, and shellfish restoration. Projects may include:

o Natural and nature-based shoreline stabilization o Living shorelines o Vegetated buffers o Culvert rightsizing o Natural sediment transport restoration o Runoff reduction and/or reduction of watershed imperviousness and preservation of groundwater infiltration

• Stormwater projects that address water quality and green infrastructure such as raingardens, bioretention areas, stormwater green streets, and porous pavement.

• Projects to make public facilities, including parks, trails, blueway trails, etc. more resilient to potential severe weather and flooding impacts including water quality improvements.

• Projects which mitigate barriers to diadromous species migration including but not limited to River Herring, American Eel and Brook Trout.

The Department also encourages applications for projects which create safe and inviting public waterfront destinations and facilities which prioritize accessibility in their design. Project design should incorporate Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and other creative solutions which go beyond ADA standards to maximize accessibility to make public spaces and facilities more inclusive and usable for as many people as possible regardless of differences in ability and allow all visitors equal access to the waterfront. For example, inclusion of ADA accessible entryways, walkways, comfort stations, boat launches, and site furnishings such as seating and tables that accommodate wheelchair users, age-friendly features, amenities appropriate to the varied capabilities of all users including individuals with cognitive, communicative, social/emotional and sensory disabilities, and multi-lingual or pictorial wayfinding.

Applications can include one planning project or one implementation project. The minimum State assistance request for EPF LWRP grant funding per grant application is $50,000 and the maximum State assistance request is $2 million. Applications requesting under $50,000 in EPF LWRP grant funding will be disqualified and will not be scored.

• Planning projects may include preparation of an LWRP, LWRP Component or Watershed Management Plan.

• Implementation projects may include feasibility, marketing, design, design/construction, and construction.

• One implementation project may include construction of a variety of enhancements such as living shorelines, natural and nature-based features, green infrastructure, public docking, fishing access, trails and other amenities if they will all be constructed on the same site.

• Applications may include multiple implementation projects in multiple locations only if the projects are similar in type/scope and clearly address a common critical issue identified in an LWRP, Watershed Management Plan, or relevant LWRP Component funded by the Department. For example, replacement of multiple undersized culverts within a watershed.

• Only applications for projects that can be completed within five years will be considered.

• Applicants may submit more than one grant application.

II. FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

The Department is making approximately $13,975,000 available to fund applications for the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program grants, up to $2 million of which is available for updates to existing LWRPs to mitigate future physical climate risks. Approximately $10.5 million of the available funding will be awarded for projects which are in, or primarily serve, areas where demographic and other relevant data demonstrate that the areas are:

• densely populated and have sustained physical deterioration, decay, neglect, or disinvestment; or

• where a substantial proportion of the residential population is of low income or is otherwise disadvantaged and is underserved with respect to the existing recreational opportunities.

State assistance awarded and paid shall not exceed 75% of the total eligible project costs set forth in the application and as approved by the Department, except where the proposed project is located in an Environmental Justice Area or Disadvantaged Community, in which case state assistance awarded and paid shall not exceed 85% of the total eligible project costs set forth in the application and as approved by the Department. For the purposes of determining if a CFA applicant is eligible to receive state assistance at a rate of 85% of the total eligible project cost under this solicitation see criteria listed in VI. Funding and Budget Guidance Environmental Justice. Applicants must identify the amount, type and source of eligible local match, and demonstrate that it has been secured; failure to do so may result in a reduced award amount for qualifying applications.

III. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Eligible applicants are:

• A village, town, or city located along New York’s coasts or inland waterways as designated pursuant to Executive Law, Article 42.

• A county or RPC with the written consent and acting on behalf of one or more eligible villages, towns or cities.

The list of coastal waterbodies and designated inland waterways is defined in NYS Executive Law, Article 42, Section 911 available at https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/EXC/911.

Applicants may partner with other organizations; however, only applications from eligible applicants will be evaluated for funding. Applications submitted by not-for-profit organizations and for-profit organizations are ineligible and will not be scored.

For applications submitted by a county or RPC with the written consent and acting on behalf of one or more eligible villages, towns, or cities, the county or RPC is required to attach a letter or resolution from each eligible village, town, and city participating in the project which demonstrates their consent and support for the county or RPC to submit an LWRP grant application on their behalf.

For applications submitted by a RPC, the RPC is required to attach the resolution, which is required under General Municipal Law, Article 12-B, Section 239-h, creating the RPC and which demonstrates membership of each eligible village, town, and city participating in the project.

If multiple applications for the same project are received by or on behalf of an eligible applicant, the applications will not be evaluated. The eligible village, town or city must decide prior to grant application whether to advance their own application or the county or RPC application. The Department shall have the sole discretion of determining if a proposed project is the same for multiple applications.

An eligible applicant may apply for general planning needed to advance any of the eligible activities described below in Section IV.

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/EXC/911

For project-specific planning, feasibility, design, and/or marketing needed to advance eligible activities, an eligible applicant must be currently preparing or have an approved LWRP or LWRP Component. The proposed project must be located within the LWRP waterfront revitalization area boundary or LWRP Component boundary.

For construction of projects needed to advance eligible activities, an eligible applicant must have an approved or substantially complete LWRP or relevant completed LWRP Component. The proposed project must be located within the LWRP waterfront revitalization area boundary or LWRP Component boundary.

For the purpose of this solicitation, a substantially complete LWRP at a minimum must include complete draft LWRP Sections 1-5 which the public has been given two opportunities to review and provide comment.

A substantially complete Watershed Management Plan (WMP) at minimum must include complete draft Watershed Characterization, Watershed Management Recommendations, and Implementation Strategy which the public has been given two opportunities to review and provide comment. The proposed project must be located within the WMP boundary.

IV. ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES

Preparing or Updating a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP), including Updating an LWRP to be More Resilient to Climate Risks

Preparation of an LWRP is a principal means of implementing the State's Coastal Management Program and plays a significant role in addressing relevant issues for a given region or place, bringing to bear the resources and authorities of local governments and engaging the public in the management and use of resources having an ecological, physical, social, visual, or economic relationship to the waterfront. Any eligible municipality or two or more eligible contiguous municipalities acting jointly to address shared resources may prepare a waterfront revitalization program, however, separate LWRP documents may be required for each municipality. For applications to prepare LWRPs for more than one eligible municipality, a resolution from each eligible municipality which demonstrates their consent and support should be submitted with the application. The LWRP waterfront revitalization area boundary must include all portions the State’s coastal area and all designated inland waterways within the municipal jurisdiction.

Sea level rise, drought, increased frequency and intensity of storms, and the resultant effects from these climate-related changes impact communities and services on which residents and tourists depend. The health and resilience of communities rests on their ability to prepare for future climate impacts, reduce or avoid harm from hazards, and rebound from those impacts when they occur. Communities that are aware of their risks, are prepared to respond quickly and strategically to changing conditions and are able to consider the disproportionate impacts on socially vulnerable populations making them more resilient.

A community that has an LWRP which considers these current and future climate hazards, and plans accordingly, is more resilient. The DOS Resilience Principles provide a straightforward way for communities and practitioners to understand and apply different concepts that form resilience. When combined, these principles support planning initiatives and projects that are more adaptable, equitable, compatible with the natural environment and considerate of long-term effects. Identifying design and implementation projects which utilize resilience measures and the resilience principles to reduce risk such as shoreline management projects that use natural and nature-based features, and local laws to increase resiliency, can foster appropriate land and water use to help communities adapt to current and future climate conditions. The Department encourages applications that consider the DOS Resilience Principles (see list of resources below).

The LWRP must also plan for long term land and water uses for the local waterfront area and specify the legal techniques for implementation. Local land use controls including at minimum zoning are the basic means for enforcing the provisions of an LWRP and therefore any municipality preparing an LWRP must have appropriate local land use controls including zoning required to implement the LWRP at time of LWRP adoption. It is also required that municipalities adopt a local consistency review law to require that local agencies carry out their actions in a manner consistent with the approved LWRP. When estimating the budget to prepare an LWRP, it is recommended that adequate resources are included to complete all tasks in the generic work plan, including consideration of climate change impacts, potential new or revised zoning/land use regulations necessary to implement the LWRP, local legal review, and document revisions required to address reviewer comments.

Communities with an approved LWRP are encouraged to regularly update their LWRP to ensure the plan is current and well-connected to short and long-range community objectives, including addressing current and future climate risks.

Additional Guidance Materials:

• Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs in New York State: Guidance Manual for Preparing Local

Programs: https://dos.ny.gov/local-waterfront-revitalization-program

• State coastal policies: https://dos.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/02/coastalpolicies.pdf

• LWRP generic work plan which describes the tasks necessary to prepare a LWRP: https://dos.ny.gov/2025-2026-environmental-protection-fund-local-waterfront-revitalization-program

• DOS Resilience Principles to guide planning and shape proposed projects to consider climate impacts:

https://dos.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/08/resilienceprinciples_opd.pdf

• Additional climate change and resilience resources: https://dos.ny.gov/resilience-planning.

Applicants may apply for funding to prepare, complete, or update an LWRP, including updating an LWRP to be more resilient to climate risks, using the LWRP Preparation Guidance, which may include:

• developing public consensus on a vision for the future of a region or a community through community visioning, public meetings and workshops, focus groups, charrettes, etc.

• identifying regional and local assets, potential risks, opportunities, and issues within the defined waterfront area with regard to: development and infrastructure; fish and wildlife habitats and resources;

flooding and erosion hazards; resiliency; public access and recreation; historic and scenic resources;

agricultural lands; energy and ice management; wetlands, water, and air resources; and other social, cultural, economic, and environmental interests

• developing goals that strike a balance between economic development and preservation to advance State coastal policies

• addressing and incorporating the State coastal policies commensurate with local conditions and circumstances

• determining appropriate land and water uses to implement community goals and objectives for the waterfront

• identification of strategies/projects that will improve the resilience of infrastructure to severe weather events and/or climate change impacts

• identification of opportunities for modifying existing or developing new laws, regulations, policies, and practices to reduce a community's vulnerability to natural hazards and climate change impacts and improve resilience, emergency preparedness, pre-weather event management or response protocols

• creation of development tools that optimize land use patterns to meet the needs of vulnerable populations and future growth demands

• incorporating of New York State sea level rise projections or other climate projections into projects

• considering issues such as risk assessment, combined benefits, critical facilities, value to the community, public health outcomes, and coordination of timing with other improvements within a regional context

• recommending public and private projects to implement the LWRP including projects to reduce risk from current and future climate conditions

• providing the local organizational and legal structure, including the adoption of necessary zoning and local laws to implement the LWRP https://dos.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2024/04/lwrp_preparation_guidance_4_10_24_final_with_appendices.pdf https://dos.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/02/coastalpolicies.pdf https://dos.ny.gov/2025-2026-environmental-protection-fund-local-waterfront-revitalization-program https://dos.ny.gov/2025-2026-environmental-protection-fund-local-waterfront-revitalization-program https://dos.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/08/resilienceprinciples_opd.pdf https://dos.ny.gov/resilience-planning

• incorporating relevant data and/or projects from a NY Rising Community Reconstruction Plan or NY Rising Countywide Resiliency Plan, Coastal Lakeshore Economy and Resiliency Plan, Long Term Community Recovery Plan, Countywide Resiliency Plan, or other resiliency plan

Preparing a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Component, including a Watershed Management Plan

While we encourage communities to complete a full LWRP inclusive of the consideration of all enforceable State coastal policies and local waterfront geographical areas, for some communities it may be appropriate to advance toward a complete LWRP in stages to address the most time sensitive and geographically significant priorities and policies.

LWRP Components will provide local governments with increased flexibility to better manage their coastal resources, help to develop local and regional capacity to effectively address revitalization issues through the LWRP process, and will further strengthen the NYS Coastal Management Program’s and the Department’s ability to work in partnership with local governments.

An LWRP Component focuses on one or more topic(s) or section(s) of an LWRP or its waterfront, provided that the program constitutes a discrete and cohesive, yet comprehensive, treatment of the subject or subjects addressed, which may be related to environmental, social, regional growth management, or economic conditions.

The State coastal policies are available at: https://dos.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/02/coastalpolicies.pdf and the LWRP generic work plan for reference is available at: https://dos.ny.gov/2025-2026-environmental-protection-fund-local-waterfront-revitalization-program

Applicants may apply for funding for planning activities to prepare a component LWRP using the LWRP Preparation Guidance, which may include:

• addressing community resiliency to a changing climate, including both adaptation and mitigation strategies to proactively address risks and reduce vulnerabilities, and seek solutions that provide multiple benefits and address multiple goals

• addressing select State coastal policies commensurate with local conditions and circumstances

• identifying regional and local assets and potential risks, opportunities and issues within the defined waterfront area with regard to one or more of the following, as appropriate: development and infrastructure; fish and wildlife habitats and resources; flooding and erosion hazards; resiliency; public access and recreation; historic and scenic resources; agricultural lands; energy and ice management;

wetlands, water and air resources; and other social, cultural, economic and environmental interests that address one or more of the coastal policies

• incorporating applicable State coastal policies into a prior waterfront revitalization strategy or plan

• recommending public and private projects to implement the component LWRP, including public access projects, resiliency, and/or environmental protection projects

• providing the local organizational and legal structure, including the adoption of zoning and local laws to implement the component LWRP and advance the future completion of an LWRP

LWRP Component: Preparing a Watershed Management Plan

A watershed management plan is a type of LWRP Component that produces a comprehensive plan to protect and restore specific waterbodies and their watersheds by identifying and prioritizing land uses and capital projects to reduce point and nonpoint source pollution, and protect or restore water quality, tributary corridors and aquatic habitats. As watersheds generally encompass more than one municipal jurisdiction, the preparation of cooperative, intermunicipal plans for a specific watershed can be an effective way to achieve local, regional and statewide goals. These plans can form the factual basis for the LWRP inventory and support policy explanations dealing with water quality and water resources.

https://dos.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/02/coastalpolicies.pdf https://dos.ny.gov/2025-2026-environmental-protection-fund-local-waterfront-revitalization-program

Local business, recreation, tourism, agriculture, industry, and economic development are dependent on high-quality water resources. Watershed plans can be an effective way of guiding activities to protect and promote natural and economic assets on an intermunicipal basis. Networking with experienced local governments, agencies, and organizations leads to efficiencies that minimize the costs of protecting and restoring natural assets. The Department’s guidebooks on waterfront revitalization and watershed planning are available at https://dos.ny.gov/library.

The watershed management planning process is comprehensive, action oriented, and emphasizes broad environmental goals and objectives that cover all aspects of water quality. DOS’s watershed planning framework establishes long-term watershed management; describes existing water quality conditions; and identifies priority actions to address impairments and threats. DOS provides technical and financial assistance for developing watershed management plans, including the development of Nine Element Watershed Management Plans (9E).

A 9E Watershed Management Plan is a type of watershed management plan that integrates the EPA’s framework for watershed-based plans. This clean water plan ensures that the contributing causes and sources of nonpoint source pollution are identified, key stakeholders are involved in the planning process, and a strategy is developed to target the identified pollutant(s). These plans often require additional quantification of pollutant loading and estimates of pollution reductions to achieve water quality goals than standard watershed management plans. Typical 9Es require significant data gathering and modeling through the use of an approved Quality Assurance Protection Plan.

Funds are available for the preparation and implementation of watershed plans that identify and assess key assets, problems, threats, and municipal land use development controls and practices, emphasizing water quality improvement, protection, and restoration. Applicants interested in completing a 9E Plan are expected to document understanding of the required monitoring and modeling in the project scope of work and demonstrate adequate resources are included in the budget to complete all tasks in the generic work plan. The generic work plans which describes the tasks necessary to prepare a watershed management plans and 9E watershed management plan are available at: https://dos.ny.gov/2025-2026-environmental-protection-fund-local-waterfront-revitalization-program.

Water resources management resources are available at: https://dos.ny.gov/water-resources-management

Applicants may apply for grant funding to prepare or update an LWRP Component focusing on watershed management, that includes:

• identifying connections between water quality protection, waterfront revitalization, and climate change impacts, such as increased extreme precipitation

• conducting public participation to develop consensus on issues and actions needed to advance revitalization and water quality goals

• inventorying, analyzing and characterizing the watershed including land cover, land and water uses, and infrastructure

• identifying and assessing key natural, cultural and economic assets

• identifying problems, impairments, and threats including nonpoint and source water impairments, invasive species, chronic flooding, harmful algal bloom, increasing water temperatures, etc. and assessing their causes

• water quality data collection to be used to understand current watershed conditions

• assessing and modeling of nonpoint source pollution to identify impairments including onsite wastewater treatment systems and stormwater

• assessing land and water use controls (laws, programs and practices) to protect water quality and guide appropriate development

• quantifying the benefits of high water quality to local areas and the regional economy

• preparing strategies to protect water quality and promote sustainable economic development and community revitalization, including consideration of climate change impacts

• identifying local, state and other technical and financial resources needed for implementation of proposed projects and actions

• planning for the protection and promotion of natural assets on an intermunicipal watershed basis https://dos.ny.gov/library https://dos.ny.gov/water-resources-management

• prioritizing projects and actions on an intermunicipal basis to improve and protect water quality

• developing systems to track implementation and measure and report on success

Implementing a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program or Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Component

The Department encourages applications for projects which create safe and inviting public waterfront destinations and facilities which prioritize accessibility in their design. Project design should maximize accessibility and other creative solutions which go beyond ADA standards to maximize accessibility to make public spaces and facilities more inclusive and usable for as many people as possible regardless of differences in ability and allow all visitors equal access to the waterfront. For example, inclusion of ADA accessible entryways, walkways, comfort stations including adult changing tables, boat launches, and site furnishings such as seating and tables that accommodate wheelchair users, age-friendly features, amenities appropriate to the varied capabilities of all users including individuals with cognitive, communicative, social/emotional and sensory disabilities, and multi-lingual or pictorial wayfinding.

Projects must incorporate consideration of sea-level rise, storm surge, erosion and/or flooding in project siting and design to make projects on public property and/or public facilities more resilient and utilize climate-adaptive design approach which prioritizes non-structural or natural-based measures approaches to promote resiliency. Applicants are encouraged to consider the DOS Resilience Principles when developing implementation projects.

Applicants may apply for implementation funding for activities on publicly owned property or where a permanent public interest, such as an easement (e.g., public access, conservation) has been established, including but not limited to:

• site-specific community waterfront revitalization and resiliency projects necessary to implement an LWRP or LWRP Component including design, construction and/or implementation activities:

o preparation of resilient and adaptive concept plans, site redevelopment strategies and RFP for redevelopment projects;

o project-specific and resilient designs, cost estimating, and permitting;

o construction of publicly accessible parks and amenities including resilient infrastructure; trails, launch sites, public gathering spaces and entertainment amenities;

o adaptive reuse of underutilized and abandoned buildings in public ownership;

o development of design guidelines and standards;

o streetscape and gateway improvements, including but not limited to: pedestrian walkways, sidewalks, bike lanes and multi-use trails; crosswalks and other pedestrian safety enhancements; directional and informational signage; lighting, amenities, landscaping, enhancing the urban tree canopy; building facades; and associated stormwater green infrastructure; and, o ensuring multi-modal accessibility to transit hubs or shuttle services.

• implementation of priority actions to protect and restore water resources including feasibility analysis, design or construction water quality projects

• projects that preserve, restore, and/or enhance natural landscapes that protect water quality and catalyze waterfront revitalization and projects that lead to the preservation or restoration of natural landscapes, such as forests, floodplains and wetlands, dunes, estuaries, marshes, riparian zones, riverine systems, and shellfish restoration. Projects may include:

o Natural and nature-based shoreline stabilization o Living shorelines o Vegetated buffers o Culvert rightsizing o Natural sediment transport restoration o Runoff reduction and/or reduction of watershed imperviousness and preservation of groundwater infiltration

• stormwater projects that address water quality and green infrastructure such as raingardens, bioretention areas, stormwater green streets, and porous pavement.

• projects to make public facilities, including parks, trails, blueway trails, etc. more resilient to potential severe weather and flooding impacts including water quality improvements.

• projects which mitigate barriers to diadromous species migration including but not limited to River Herring, American Eel and Brook Trout.

• developing regional, intermunicipal, or local Geographic Information Systems to improve management of coastal areas and resources, and improve impact prediction and assessment and mitigation and adaptation planning

• marketing and promotion studies including marketing campaigns, brochures, website design

• amendment or adoption of local land and water use controls to provide coordinated watershed management for protecting water quality and improve community resilience to storm events and sea level rise, such as wetland and watercourse laws, local administration of Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas, and open space subdivision laws to protect floodplains

• development of educational outreach/training materials and programs to improve community resilience to severe weather and other climate-related hazards

• development of education, outreach/training materials and programs to reduce causes of impairments and threats to water quality including the ecological and financial costs of nonpoint and source water impairments, invasive species, chronic flooding, harmful algal blooms, and increasing water temperatures

• projects that create new waterfront public access sites or improve and/or expand existing sites along the NYS Canal System

Applications to fund design and construction of wastewater treatment infrastructure or herbicide application are not eligible for funding and will not be scored.

The generic work plan which describes the tasks necessary to implement design and construction projects and shoreline management information are available at: https://dos.ny.gov/2025-2026-environmental-protection-fund-local-waterfront-revitalization-program. Approved LWRPs are listed at: https://dos.ny.gov/local-waterfront-revitalization-program.

V. REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPLEMENTATION AND CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

For projects which include any design and/or construction work, the applicant must identify the current legal owner(s) for all properties where improvements will be implemented. Applicant must provide proof with the application that all final design and construction work will be performed on public property or where a permanent public interest, such as an easement (e.g., public access, conservation) has been established prior to the grant application due date.

The applicant must attach proof of site control and/or permanent public interest. If property is owned by:

• the applicant municipality, submit the property deed, current tax roll or property record card.

• a municipality or public entity that is not the applicant, submit the property deed, current tax roll or property record card and a letter of support or resolution from the landowner supporting the project.

• private property owner or not-for-profit, submit the property deed, current tax roll or property record card and executed public access easement, conservation easement, or similar legal instrument establishing permanent public interest in the property.

Applications that do not provide this documentation will be found ineligible and will not be scored. Note: Site control does not need to be established at time of application for planning, feasibility studies, preliminary design (up to 30%) or similar projects which do not include final design and/or construction work. The Department shall have the sole discretion of determining if a proposed project meets the DOS program expectations for design and/or construction work.

https://dos.ny.gov/local-waterfront-revitalization-program https://dos.ny.gov/local-waterfront-revitalization-program

Construction projects must be in compliance with zoning and other applicable land use regulations. Property where improvements are made must remain accessible to the public and provide direct public benefit for the intended useful life of the project. Projects intended to be open to the public must be open to the general public and not limited to residents of the municipality receiving a grant. Signage to this effect must be provided at these sites. Where improvements are made to a building, access must remain available to the general public and provide a direct public benefit tied to waterfront revitalization.

Property improved with EPF LWRP grants that are sold or transferred out of public ownership and control prior to expiration of the intended useful life will require that grant funds be returned to the Department.

It is required that project design and construction be undertaken under the supervision of an architect and/or engineer licensed to practice in the State of New York. In addition, proper certification from a licensed architect or engineer, as appropriate to the task, will be required for the preparation of designs and specifications and for the submission of as-built plans upon completion of the project.

In addition to responsibility for compliance with local regulations, the grant recipient is responsible for complying with applicable State and Federal laws and regulations, including, but not limited to:

• State Environmental Quality Review Act

• State Freshwater and Tidal Wetlands Acts

• US Army Corps of Engineer permits

• Coastal Erosion Hazards Areas Act

• Floodplain Management criteria

• State and Federal laws and regulations for Historic Preservation

• Coastal Zone Management Act (federal)

• Waterfront Revitalization of Coastal Areas and Inland Waterways (NYS Executive Law Article 42)

For construction only projects, the applicant is required to submit draft or final design documents with the grant application. Construction projects must be consistent with State Coastal Policies or LWRP policies if the LWRP has been adopted by the municipality and approved by the New York State Secretary of State.

Successful applicant will be required to install a sign satisfactory to the Department acknowledging the Department’s funding of the project. The project sign must remain in place for the intended useful life of the improvements undertaken.

VI. FUNDING AND BUDGET GUIDANCE

All costs will be paid on a reimbursement basis and must be documented. Costs must be adequately justified and directly support the scope of work outlined in the application for the proposed project. Proposed total project costs, including match components, must be essential to project completion. State assistance payments will be made to grant recipients based on actual expenditures for eligible costs up to the amount of the grant awarded.

When estimating the total eligible project cost, the applicant should calculate the cost to complete each task included in the project scope of work which may include costs associated with project management and grant administration. As a reference, DOS generic work plans which describe tasks necessary to prepare an LWRP or WMP and implement design and construction projects are available at: https://dos.ny.gov/2025-2026-environmental-protection-fund-local-waterfront-revitalization-program: The budget may only include eligible costs described below which directly support the project scope of work. Applicants are encouraged to obtain initial project quotes from a consultant with relevant professional experience and background to inform the budget.

Eligible Costs

Personal Services – including direct salaries, wages, and fringe benefits for activities related to project work by municipal employees, including project management, capacity building, and grant administration. Fringe benefits must be outlined in the application and include the organizations’ documented rate.

Non-Personal Services – project related supplies, materials and equipment, necessary travel, consultant/contractual services for direct project related costs, project management, capacity building, limited grant administration, and other goods and services required to complete the project.

Equipment purchases will only be considered as an eligible cost if the equipment is essential to accomplish tasks included in project scope of work and is demonstrated to be more cost-effective than renting or leasing the equipment. The application should list each piece of equipment to be purchased with an estimated cost and how it will be used to accomplish project tasks. Equipment purchased with EPF LWRP grant funding cannot be sold without prior approval from the Department. If equipment purchased with EPF LWRP funds is sold without DOS approval, the Department may require that grant funds be returned to the Department. Equipment usage may only be used as local match.

Project management activities may include oversight and coordination of tasks needed to produce contract deliverables, coordination of Project Advisory Committee activities, consultant procurement and oversight, public outreach and providing technical assistance.

Capacity building may include: investment in existing staff, such as training, or automating systems that will improve a community’s ability to carry out projects and/or deliver programs funded under this RFA; or developing sustainable organizational capacity, such as through creating and recruiting new positions or enlisting external professional assistance to oversee revitalization efforts. Allowable activities under capacity building shall be within the scope of the RFA and undertaken in direct furtherance of the purpose of the grant application.

Grant administration activities may include preparation of reports, vouchers, contract related administration and compliance with grant record keeping and reporting requirements. Grant administration may not exceed 15% of the award amount or $50,000, whichever is less.

Local Match State assistance awarded and paid shall not exceed 75% of the total eligible cost for the project, except where the proposed project is located in an environmental justice area or disadvantaged community, in which case state assistance awarded and paid shall not exceed 85% of the total eligible cost for the project.

Local match may include any of the items listed above in Eligible Costs section as well as the following. Local match must be outlined in the application for consideration.

Volunteer services included in the local match are limited to those that are required to complete project tasks.

Volunteer services may not include attendance of general public at public meetings. Any work performed by minors must comply with NYS DOL age-related work restrictions. Volunteer services must be listed in the application. Documented volunteer services (non-professional or administrative) may be valued at up to $15.00 per hour. Credit for project related volunteer services requires submission of detailed accurate records using Department approved forms to account for volunteer services to be included as local match. Failure to do so will result in non-approval of accrued volunteer hours for documented match.

Donated professional services included in the local match are limited to those that are required to complete project tasks and only when services provided are in direct relation to the profession of the individual providing these services. Donated professional services must be listed in the application. Professional or technical services, such as engineering, legal, design, planning, and project management services will be valued at a rate of $60.00 per hour. Construction and other labor services will be valued at the prevailing wage rate set for the locality where the work is performed. Applicants must provide a description of the work to be undertaken by each individual and the reason for using a donated professional services rate rather than the volunteer services rate in the grant application.

Donated services that are not directly related to a profession will be considered as local match at the volunteer services rate. In all cases, detailed accurate records must be kept using Department approved forms to account for services to be included as local match.

Land acquisition – land acquired (e.g., purchase or donation) may only be used as local match for projects that include construction and where the construction occurs on the acquired property. Land must be acquired within three years prior to the grant application due date. Land acquisition is not eligible for match for projects involving only design and engineering. A map identifying the property, and if available, a current appraisal report documenting the property value and a copy of the recorded deed conveying title and ownership must be submitted with the application.

Ineligible Match Sources The following is a list of ineligible sources of match for LWRP awards made pursuant to this procurement:

• Federal funding (including but not limited to ARPA, CDBG, FHWA, FEMA, U.S. FWS Boating Infrastructure Grant Program)

• State and Municipal Facilities Grants (SAM)

• Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 (Bond Act) awards

• Other Environmental Protection Fund grant awards (including but not limited to WQIP, BOA, Smart Growth, OPRHP EPF)

In addition, the Environmental Protection Fund grants provided under this program may not be used as the local match for any federal or State grants without explicit written permission from the Department.

Environmental Justice NYS Environmental Conservation Law § 54-1101 and NYS Executive Law § 42-918 dictate the local match requirements for the Department’s Environmental Protection Fund Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (EPF LWRP) grants. For this solicitation, state assistance awarded and paid shall not exceed 75% of the total eligible project costs set forth in the application and as approved by the Department, except where the proposed project is located in an Environmental Justice Area or Disadvantaged Community, in which case state assistance awarded and paid shall not exceed 85% of the total eligible project costs set forth in the application and as approved by the Department.

For the purposes of determining if a CFA applicant is eligible to receive state assistance at a rate of 85% of the total eligible project cost under this solicitation, reference Potential Environmental Justice Area mapping created by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) available at:

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?url=https://services6.arcgis.com/DZHaqZm9cxOD4CWM/ArcGIS /rest/services/Potential_Environmental_Justice_Area__PEJA__Communities/FeatureServer, and Disadvantaged Communities mapping created by the New York Climate Justice Working Group available at:

https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/ny/disadvantaged-communities, and the following Department policy:

• The Project Funding and Program Budget section in the CFA should clearly indicate the applicant is seeking State funding from the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program in the amount equal to 85% of the total project cost. This should also be clearly indicated in the LWRP Budget Summary & Detail spreadsheet, submitted as an CFA attachment.

• For applications to prepare or update an LWRP for one municipality, a portion of the LWRP boundary area must be located within an Environmental Justice Area or Disadvantaged Community.

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?url=https://services6.arcgis.com/DZHaqZm9cxOD4CWM/ArcGIS/rest/services/Potential_Environmental_Justice_Area__PEJA__Communities/FeatureServer https://www.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?url=https://services6.arcgis.com/DZHaqZm9cxOD4CWM/ArcGIS/rest/services/Potential_Environmental_Justice_Area__PEJA__Communities/FeatureServer https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/ny/disadvantaged-communities

• For applications to prepare or update an LWRP or LWRP component for multiple municipalities, each municipality must include an Environmental Justice Area or Disadvantaged Community within the planning boundary.

• For applications for design and construction projects, a portion of the project must be located within an Environmental Justice Area or Disadvantaged Community.

• For…