Delaware Watershed Stream Management Grant Program
Background
Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District (DCSWCD) along with NYC Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP) and Delaware County Planning Department developed two comprehensive Stream Corridor Management Plans (SCMPs) for the West Branch Delaware River (2006) and the East Branch Delaware River (2007). The development of each management plan was guided by project advisory committees consisting of local officials, residents, businesses, and agencies living and working in the watershed. The materials created through this detailed assessment and planning process can now be used as a tool for municipal officials, residents and other interested parties to manage streams consistent with science-based principles.
Funding for projects and programs within the NYC Delaware River watersheds are made available to participating municipalities for construction projects and non-construction programs that implement the goals and objectives of the plans.
Who is eligible for assistance from the Stream Management Grant Program?
Local municipality that has adopted the respective SCMP or a 501c-3 Not For Profit Corporation with a letter of support from a host municipality that has adopted the respective SCMP.
What projects or programs are eligible?
Projects or programs that are located within the Delaware Basin Watersheds and the municipality has adopted the appropriate Stream Corridor Management Plans. The Municipality must have a signed Memorandum of Understanding with the DCSWCD. Projects or programs must follow the Recommendations of the SCMP’s, the East and West Branch Delaware Action Plans, and the Stream Stewardship Principles.
Categories of Funding and Examples
Project Track Categories
* Flood Management: development of flood management planning and response plans; flood recovery assistance; flood management training, including National Flood Insurance Program training.
* Highway Infrastructure Improvement: upgrade undersized culverts; potential cost-share to properly size bridges to avoid channel constriction; potential cost-share to re-align streams upstream/downstream of bridges and culverts; incorporate vegetation into road embankments; utility crossing management; floodplain management of public lands.
* Stormwater Implementation and/or Critical Area Seeding: hydro-seeding of open ditches etc.; implementation of stormwater techniques to retain and/or infiltrate stormwater into ground; wetland enhancement; filter strips; creation of rain garden and/or bioswales.
* Recreation-Based Opportunities or Habitat Enhancements: stream access improvemetns; increasing navigability; development of watershed recreation plans; streamside amenities open to public; public fishing related projects; fisheries improvements and/or habitat engancements (instream and in floodplain).
* General Restoration Projects: any project not covered in the above categories. Such projects may include a gamut of projects from passive restoration to full-scale restoration projects that would provide mulit-faceted benefits to a local community.
Program Track Categories
* Education/Outreach/Training: workshops; newsletters; public meetings; school programs; stream clean-ups; volunteer plantings; educational kiosks; outreach materials; training programs/opportunites; stream celebration.
* Planning and Assessment: floodplain management; coordinated flood response; technical assistance; land use/open space planning and/or incorporating stream managment into economic development initiatives; creating/enhancing local control through environmental policies; collaborating at the county, regional and local levels supporting watershed communities.
Have a project or program idea?
An applicant should review all documents and determine if the project or program fits the SCMP recommendations and Stream Stewardship Principles. The following steps outline the application process:
| * Step 1: |
Request for Pre-Application conference form |
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Construction Project – Third Friday in June (June 17, 2011) and Program Track - Third Friday in June (June 17, 2011)
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| * Step 2: |
Applicant meets with a Stream Management Program representatives to review the proposal |
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Construction Project Track – June-July and Program Track – June-July
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| * Step 3: |
Formal Application (if qualifies) |
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Construction Project Track - Second Friday in August (August 12, 2011) and Program Track - Second Friday in August (August 12, 2011)
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| * Step 4: |
Application is reviewed and scored by Stream Management Program staff |
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Construction Project Track – August-September and Program Track - August-September
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| * Step 5: |
All scored application is reviewed and ranked by the Project Advisory Committee (PAC) Sub-committee chairs or designee, NYCDEP Delaware Basin Program Manager, DCSWCD Stream Program Coordinator, and the DCPD Director |
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Construction Project Track - September and Program Track - September |
| * Step 6: |
The PAC considers the ranked applications and makes funding recommendations to the Stream Management Program staff, DCSWCD Board of Directors, and NYCDEP |
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Construction Project Track - September and Program Track - September
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| * Step 7: |
The DCSWCD Board of Directors and NYC DEP approve or disapprove the application for funding |
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Construction Project Track - September and Program Track – September
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* Step 8: |
Stream Management Program staff notifies the applicant of the final decision |
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Construction Project Track - October and Program Track - October |
| * Step 9: |
If approved, applicant accepts funding award with an implementation deadline or declines the funding award |
Click on the link below for an application packet for funding under the program or project track. Download the file to your computer and then fill in the form. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required.
Delaware Watershed Stream Management Grant Program – Program Track Application Packet
Delaware Watershed Stream Management Grant Program - Project Track Application Packet
Delaware Basin Project Advisory Committee Membership
The Project Advisory Committee (PAC) was formed to help empower local communities to take ownership of stream management on the local level. PAC role is to be a leadership in the SCMP implementation of the recommendations, identify local needs, and work with the communities and resource agencies toward solutions and project implementation. The PAC assists the Stream Corridor Management Program Team in the further development and implementation of the Biennial Action Plans, review and scores on the Delaware Watershed Stream Management Grant Program, and is a liaison with watershed stakeholders. Members also serve on one of the four Sub-committees: Fisheries and Habitat, Flood Issues, Highway and Infrastructure and Education and Outreach. Click here for the membership of the Delaware Basin PAC and Subcommittees.
Delaware Basin PAC Meeting Minutes
Delaware Basin Stream Management Grant Program Recipients
Click Here
Additional Information
For more information, contact Graydon Dutcher, Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District Stream Corridor Management Program at (607) 865-5223 or graydon-dutcher@dcswcd.org
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