Environmental Protection Fund Local Waterfront Revitalization Program 2026 - 2027 RFA #26 LWRP-17

RFA #26-LWRP-17

New York State Department of State Office of Planning, Development & Community Infrastructure Environmental Protection Fund - Local Waterfront Revitalization Program

2026 – 2027 REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

RFA Release Date: This Request for Applications (RFA) and additional grant resources have been posted on June 1, 2026 to the Department of State’s website at https://dos.ny.gov/funding-bid-opportunities. Please use the RFA number listed on the cover page of the RFA to help locate a link to the specific page for this opportunity. All applicants are encouraged to review 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. Please use the RFA number listed on the cover page of the RFA to help locate a link to the specific page for this opportunity.

Written questions will be accepted until June 19, 2026. Questions regarding this grant opportunity 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: “26-LWRP-17 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 19, 2026 will be posted by July 10, 2026 on the Department’s website at: DOS Funding & Bid Opportunities website. Please use the RFA number listed on the cover page of the RFA to help locate a link to the specific page for this opportunity. 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. All responses to questions received by the due date will be incorporated into this Request for Applications as the official response by DOS.

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 posted on the DOS Funding & Bid Opportunities website. Please use the RFA number listed on the cover page of the RFA to help locate a link to the specific page for this opportunity.

Applications Due: Applications are due by 4:00 PM, July 31, 2026, 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 Department of State Office of Planning, Development & Community Infrastructure Attn: LWRP RFA Questions 99 Washington Avenue, Suite 1010 Albany, NY 12231-0001 LWRP@dos.ny.gov

Letter of Support: Letters of support are encouraged but not required and may 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 12231-0001.

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, and cities located along New York’s coasts or designated inland waterways. Counties and Regional Planning Councils (RPCs) with written consent and acting on behalf of one or more eligible villages, towns, and cities are also eligible to apply. Applications must advance the preparation or implementation of strategies for community and waterfront revitalization through one of 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 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 of Coastal Areas and Inland Waterways Act. Accordingly, the Department encourages waterfront communities to prepare and implement LWRPs with financial and technical assistance provided through this grant program.

2026 Funding Priorities

The Department encourages applications for design and/or construction projects that create safe, accessible, and inviting public waterfront destinations. Priority will be given to implementation projects which prioritize in their design accessibility to people of all ages and all physical, cognitive, and sensory abilities. Project design and budget should explicitly incorporate Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and other creative solutions which go beyond ADA standards to maximize accessibility by making public spaces and facilities more inclusive. Examples include, but are not limited to, 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. (For more background, see DOS’ ADA Compliance & Beyond in Community Design: Creating Safe, Accessible & Inclusive Communities for All New Yorkers, which is located at https://dos.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2026/03/accessibility-brochure.pdf.) This priority is consistent with New York State’s status as the first age-friendly state in the nation, as determined by AARP and the World Health Organization, as well as the release of the State’s first-ever Master Plan for Aging.

Determining Project Scope

Applications may include only one planning project or one implementation project. A planning project may only include preparation or an update of an LWRP or an LWRP Component, (such as a Watershed Management Plan). Implementation is defined as a project that is implementing priorities or projects of an LWRP or LWRP Component and can include design and/or construction of that project. An implementation project must have a clearly defined scope. Below is additional guidance on eligible projects:

· Implementation projects may include subsequent planning that implements an LWRP or LWRP component, 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 only include multiple implementation projects in multiple locations 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.

· It is the Department’s intention to only fund applications for projects or discrete project phases that can be completed within five years of contract execution.

· Applicants may submit more than one grant application.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY

The Department of State is making approximately $13,975,000 available to fund applications for this grant opportunity, 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.

The minimum State assistance request for EPF LWRP grant funding per grant application is $75,000 and the maximum State assistance request is $2 million. Applications requesting under $75,000 in EPF LWRP grant funding will be disqualified and will not be scored.

State assistance awarded 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 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 Section VI. Funding and Budget Guidance. All determinations will be confirmed by DOS during application review.

In addition, projects must document the amount and source of secured match funds in the application. Applicants who propose an ineligible match source or insufficient match will be contacted to verify if they have additional match from eligible sources. Applicants who do not have another source of eligible match equaling the required match will have their award reduced, up to and including reduced to $0, based on the amount of eligible match available.

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 regional planning council (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 also required to attach the resolution, required under General Municipal Law, Article 12-B, Section 239-h, creating the RPC and demonstrating 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 in this RFA. 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 on 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.

ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES

Preparing or Updating an LWRP, including Updating an LWRP to be More Resilient to Climate Risks

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 (see list of resources below). Preparation of an LWRP with an integrated Harbor Management Plan (HMP) 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. Important considerations when applying to prepare or amend an LWRP include:

· LWRPs are intended to be prepared by a single municipality because they require a comprehensive review of the local code. In addition it is required that each municipality preparing an LWRP adopt a local consistency review law, either as a standalone law or as part of their zoning, to ensure that certain actions of local government agencies are reviewed for consistency with the approved LWRP.

· In some circumstances, it may be appropriate for two or more municipalities, typically a Town and interlying Village(s), to work together on the planning and preparation of a joint LWRP due to overlapping jurisdictions on the waterside. For applications to jointly prepare an LWRP for a Town and Village(s) that share a coastal area or designated inland waterway, a resolution from each eligible municipality which demonstrates their consent and support must be submitted with the application.

· It is required that all municipalities seeking to prepare an LWRP have appropriate local land use controls including zoning.

· Applications to prepare LWRPs must include a proposed waterfront revitalization area (WRA) boundary map. The proposed WRA must include all portions of the State’s coastal area and all designated inland waterways within the municipal jurisdiction(s).

· Applications seeking to update an LWRP to address issues related to sea-level rise, drought, increased frequency and intensity of storms, and the resultant effects from these climate-related hazards and their disproportionate impacts on socially vulnerable populations will be prioritized. The DOS Resilience Principles provide a straightforward way for communities and practitioners to understand and apply different concepts that form resilience (see list of resources below).

· The preparation of a Harbor Management Plan (HMP) pursuant to 19 NYCRR Part 603 is a required element of the LWRP preparation process. Generally, the HMP area includes all coastal waters and designated inland waterways within the municipal boundary, or up to 1500 feet from shore where the municipal boundary ends at the shoreline, whichever is greater. It is recommended that the HMP be integrated into the LWRP rather than separately prepared.

· When estimating the budget to prepare an LWRP, it is expected that adequate resources will be included to complete all tasks in the generic work plan (see list of resources below), including resources necessary to address comments provided by DOS during review of each section of the complete LWRP draft and revisions to mapping products as may be required.

Important Guidance Materials:

· Local Waterfront Revitalization Programs in New York State: Guidance Manual for Preparing Local Programs: https://dos.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2025/05/lwrp_preparation_guidance_04_10_2024_final_with_appendices.pdf

· 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/funding-bid-opportunities. Please use the RFA number listed on the cover page of the RFA to help locate a link to the specific page for this opportunity.

· DOS’ ADA Compliance & Beyond in Community Design: Creating Safe, Accessible & Inclusive Communities for All New Yorkers, which is located at https://dos.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2026/03/accessibility-brochure.pdf

· DOS Resilience Principles to guide planning and shape proposed projects to consider climate impacts: https://dos.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2025/11/2025-10-03-opdci-resilience-principles.pdf

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

· Executive Law, Article 42, Section 911, Definitions: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/EXC/911

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

For some communities it may be appropriate to advance in stages toward a complete LWRP to address the most time-sensitive and geographically significant priorities and policies.

LWRP Components 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 Department’s ability to work in partnership with local governments. An LWRP Component focuses on one or more topic(s) or policy areas of an LWRP affecting the waterfront, provided that the component 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 include the following policy areas that are most relevant to local and regional planning: Development, Fish and Wildlife, Flooding and Erosion Hazards, Public Access, Recreation, Historic and Scenic Resources, Water and Air Resources, and Wetlands.

A watershed management plan is a type of LWRP Component that produces a comprehensive plan that is action oriented 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.

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 partners 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.

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 describe the tasks necessary to prepare a watershed management plan and 9E watershed management plan are available at: https://dos.ny.gov/funding-bid-opportunities. Please use the RFA number listed on the cover page of the RFA to help locate a link to the specific page for this opportunity. Water resources management guidance documents 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

· 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 an LWRP or LWRP Component

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 expected to consider the DOS Resilience Principles available at https://dos.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2025/11/2025-10-03-opdci-resilience-principles.pdf and resilience planning resources available at https://dos.ny.gov/resilience-planning when developing implementation projects. DOS has recorded a supplemental Resilience and Community Infrastructure Webinar Series that is available to applicants and includes illustrative case studies of various resilience planning and implementation projects.

Applications are encouraged for projects which create safe, accessible, and inviting public waterfront destinations. Applications should consider projects that prioritize in their design accessibility to people of all ages and all physical, cognitive, and sensory abilities. Project design and budget should explicitly 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.

Applicants may only apply for implementation funding for final design and/or construction activities that are located on publicly owned property or where a permanent public interest, such as an easement (e.g., public access, conservation) has been established prior to the application due date. Examples include, but are not limited to:

· 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.

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

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

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

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

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

· development of design guidelines and standards;

· 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,

· 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:

· Natural and nature-based shoreline stabilization

· Living shorelines

· Vegetated buffers

· Culvert rightsizing

· Natural sediment transport restoration

· Runoff reduction and/or reduction of watershed imperviousness and preservation of groundwater infiltration

· Stormwater projects that address water quality and green infrastructure such as rain gardens, 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, in whole or in part, 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 is available at: https://dos.ny.gov/funding-bid-opportunities. Please use the RFA number listed on the cover page of the RFA to help locate a link to the specific page for this opportunity. Approved LWRPs are listed at: https://dos.ny.gov/local-waterfront-revitalization-program.

IMPLEMENTATION PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

Design and/or 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 or current tax roll.

· a municipality or public entity that is not the applicant, submit the property deed or current tax roll 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 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, or provide incomplete 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.

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, landscape architect and/or engineer licensed to practice in the State of New York. In addition, proper certification from a licensed architect, landscape 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:

Additional Requirements for Construction-Only Projects

For construction-only projects, the applicant is required to submit at minimum draft or final design documents with demonstrated progress in acquiring permits and authorizations 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.

Note that construction-only project scope of work must include the preparation of as-built designs and a statement of completion approved by an architect, landscape architect and/or engineer licensed to practice in the State of New York. The budget for a construction-only project should include any design and engineering services that may be necessary to prepare these required final products.

All construction projects require installation of a project 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.

FUNDING AND BUDGET GUIDANCE

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

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, 9E Plan, or WMP and implement design and construction projects are available at: https://dos.ny.gov/funding-bid-opportunities. Please use the RFA number listed on the cover page of the RFA to help locate a link to the specific page for this opportunity. The budget may only include eligible costs described below which directly support the project scope of work and should not demonstrate additional match in excess of the rate required.

The applicant should also consider accessibility features when estimating the total eligible project cost. Examples of these types of features are contained in DOS’ ADA Compliance & Beyond in Community Design: Creating Safe, Accessible & Inclusive Communities for All New Yorkers, located at: https://dos.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2026/03/accessibility-brochure.pdf.

Applicants are encouraged to obtain detailed project quotes from a professional with relevant experience and background to inform the budget. Applicants are required to demonstrate that projects are ready to move forward. Applicants will be required to prepare and submit a project work schedule and timeline that includes major tasks and milestones with completion dates for each.

Eligible Costs

Eligible costs include the following:

Personal Services – including direct salaries, wages, and fringe benefits of employees of the applicant for activities in direct relation to or in support of project work, including project management, capacity building and grant administration. The title and salary of each individual performing work under the project should be listed separately in the budget attachment. Fringe benefits must be outlined in the application and include the organization’s documented rate. DOS reserves the right to review, and at its sole discretion exclude, any items that are not consistent with fringe benefits which are included in the organization’s fringe rate.

Non-Personal Services –including consultant/contractual services for direct project related costs, project management, capacity building, grant administration, project-related supplies and materials, necessary travel, 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 the 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, DOS may require that grant funds be returned to the State. Costs associated with equipment usage may only be used as local match.

Project management activities may include, but are not limited to, oversight and coordination of tasks and activities needed to produce contract deliverables, coordination of Project Advisory Committee activities, consultant procurement and oversight, public outreach and 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, but is not limited to, activities undertaken to comply with grant budgeting, record keeping and reporting requirements, such as preparation and submission of payment vouchers and other documents required under the grant. Grant administration may not exceed 15% of the award amount or $50,000, whichever is less.

Local Match State assistance awarded 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 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. Volunteer services may not exceed 15% of the award amount or $50,000, whichever is less.

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 (e.g., purchase or donation): may only be used as local match for projects where construction occurs on the acquired property. Land must have been acquired within three years prior to the grant application due date. A map identifying the land, a current appraisal report documenting the land value, a current title report, and a copy of the recorded deed conveying title and ownership must be submitted with the application.

Equipment usage: municipally owned equipment that will be used for a construction project may only be used as local match. Include the purpose of the equipment as it relates to the project scope. Costs documented should be reasonable and valued at the established NYS DOT equipment schedule rates.

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)

· 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 a 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.

· 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 applications that include multiple implementation projects in multiple locations, a portion of the project in each location must be located within an Environmental Justice Area or Disadvantaged Community.

· Department GIS analysis must confirm the project is located within a Potential Environmental Justice Area as mapped by the DEC or a Disadvantaged Community as mapped by the NYS Climate Justice Working Group. Confirmation will be determined during the application review.

More information on criteria the DEC used to delineate potential environmental justice areas can be found on the DEC website at: https://www.dec.ny.gov/public/911.html. More information on criteria the NYS Climate Justice Working Group used to delineate Disadvantaged Communities can be found on the NYSERDA Climate Act website under the "Disadvantaged Communities Criteria Documents" section at: https://climate.ny.gov/resources/disadvantaged-communities-criteria/.

Determining State Funding Request

The minimum State assistance request for EPF LWRP grant funding per grant application is $75,000 and the maximum State assistance request is $2 million. Applications requesting under $75,000 in EPF LWRP grant funding will be disqualified and will not be scored.

To calculate the State Funding Request:

Multiply the total eligible project cost times the % State funding (either 0.75 or 0.85) = State Funds Requested

For example, if the total eligible project cost is $200,000, the State Funds Requested would be $150,000 and the Local Match would be $50,000.

$200,000 * 0.75 = $150,000 State Funds Requested

$200,000 * 0.85 = $170,000 State Funds Requested for projects meeting Environmental Justice Area or Disadvantaged Community criteria (see above)

This example shows calculations for the minimum state assistance request of $75,000:

$100,000 * 0.75 = $75,000 State Funds Requested

$88,236 * 0.85 = $75,000 State Funds Requested for projects meeting Environmental Justice Area or Disadvantaged Community criteria (see above)

Ineligible Costs

The following costs will not be accepted as the required local match or reimbursed with grant funds:

· Indirect or overhead costs of the applicant or municipality such as rent, telephone service, administrative support not directly related to project work, computers, office equipment, general office supplies, general operations costs, membership fees, subscription costs

· Salaries and other expenses of elected officials

· Other grant funding sources as noted in Section VI. Funding and Budget Guidance - Local Match

· Taxes, insurance, fines, deficit funding

· Loan and bond interest and associated fees. The interest associated with a Loan, Bond, or Bond Anticipation Note (BAN) cannot be calculated into project cost, whether for reimbursement or local match.

· Contingency costs

· Lobbying expenses

· Expenses associated with fundraising

· Cost incurred outside the contract term

· Costs that are not adequately justified or that do not directly support the scope of work for the proposed project

Failure to adequately justify direct project costs will render costs ineligible. Ineligible costs will be eliminated from the total project costs in the grant application.

VII. PRE-SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Executive Order No. 16

Non-municipal applicants are required to complete and submit the Certification under Executive Order No. 16 Prohibiting State Agencies and Authorities from Contracting with Businesses Conducting Business in Russia. The certification may be found here: https://dos.ny.gov/procurement-forms. Completed Certification forms should be submitted no later than 4:00 pm on October 1, 2026, via email to LWRP@dos.ny.gov. The applicant’s name and CFA# should be included in the subject line.

Gender-Based Violence and the Workplace Policy

Applicants are required to complete and submit the Gender-Based Violence and the Workplace Certification to certify that their organization has in place and has implemented a Gender-Based Violence and the Workplace Policy and has provided such policy to all of its employees, directors and board members. The certification may be found here: https://dos.ny.gov/procurement-forms. Such policy shall, at a minimum, meet the requirements of subdivision 11 of section five hundred seventy-five of the executive law. If the bidder cannot make this certification, they must include a signed statement setting forth in detail the reasons therefor.

VIII. AWARD METHOD

Each application will be reviewed for eligibility and, if determined eligible, will be scored according to the application evaluation criteria. Applications deemed ineligible will not be scored. Eligible applications will be scored, and funds will be awarded until available funds are fully distributed.

A total score of 100 points is possible for any application, of which up to 80 points is derived…