Hudson River Estuary Grants for River Education Round 52

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is offering approximately 250,000 dollars in grant funding through the Hudson River Estuary Grants for River Education Round 52. This initiative seeks projects that implement the Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda to conserve, restore, and revitalize the estuary and its ecosystem. Eligible projects must be located within the watershed area of New York State counties draining to the Hudson River, from the Verrazano Narrows bridge to the Troy dam. Individual grant awards range from a minimum of 20,000 dollars to a maximum of 100,000 dollars, with a contract term of three years spanning from September 1, 2027, to August 31, 2030. Bids must be submitted electronically via the State Financial System Grants Management System by December 17, 2026, at 3:00 P.M. EST, as paper bids are not accepted. Applications are evaluated through a multi-step process involving pass/fail eligibility and a composite scoring system based on project objectives, impact, methods, cost-effectiveness, and statewide priority points, such as benefits to disadvantaged communities. A minimum score of 40 points is required for funding eligibility. Awarded grantees must adhere to strict requirements, including the installation of specific credit signage, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the submission of quarterly reimbursement requests. The program also maintains contracting goals of 30 percent for Minority and Women Business Enterprises and 6 percent for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses.