2026 (NPG) Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Planning Grant

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is soliciting grant applications for non-agricultural nonpoint source water quality improvement planning and municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) mapping and planning, with applications due July 31, 2026, through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) system. MWBE contracting goals of 30% total and SDVOB goals of 6% apply to awarded grants.

The program funds three project types with distinct maximums: Nonpoint Source Planning Reports ($50,000 to $75,000 depending on subtype, with a limit of five applications per applicant per round), MS4 Mapping ($75,000 per municipality or $400,000 for collaborative applications, one application per round), and MS4 Stormwater Management Program Planning ($50,000 maximum, one application per round). Eligible recipients are local governments, municipalities, soil and water conservation districts, and regulated MS4 operators. Grant funds cover up to 90% of eligible project costs; applicants must provide 10% matching funds from local, in-kind, or federal sources (state grant funding is ineligible as match). All projects must be completed within a three-year contract period from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2029.

Total program funding is $3 million, with at least $1.5 million allocated to Nonpoint Source Planning Reports and at least $1.5 million allocated to MS4 Mapping and Stormwater Management Program Planning combined. Award announcements are anticipated in December 2026. Applicants must submit required attachments including completed budget worksheets, project area maps at 1:24,000 scale, floodplain maps where applicable, and certification forms. A webinar is scheduled for June 8, 2026, and the question-and-answer period runs through July 10. Evaluation follows a pass/fail eligibility determination followed by scoring based on performance measures, cost reasonableness, vision, experience and ability, environmental justice and disadvantaged community benefits, climate resilience, and flood resilience (minimum 40 points for Nonpoint Source projects; minimum 30 points for MS4 Mapping).