O’Mara says application process underway for state grants from new invasive species control program ~ O’Mara, Senate Majority colleagues fought for increased investment in 2016-17 state budget

Elmira, N.Y., January 19— State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats),  Chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, today said that municipalities, not-for-profits and educational institutions regionally and statewide can begin applying for funding through New York’s “Invasive Species Rapid Response and Control Grant Program.”

O’Mara said that $2 million in funding is available to support projects targeting aquatic and terrestrial invasive species.  Funding for the program comes from the state’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF).

"The uncontrolled spread of aquatic invasive species threatens to devastate regional tourism economies and cost local communities hundreds of millions of dollars and thousands of jobs,” said O’Mara.  “We’ve appreciated the hard work of local leaders and concerned citizens throughout the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions, and statewide, to protect our waterways and secure their quality and economic potential for generations to come.  We’re hopeful that this stepped-up state assistance and investment, and other ongoing efforts, will continue to make a difference.”

The Invasive Species Rapid Response and Control Grant Program will support eligible projects with state grants ranging from $11,000 to $100,000.

The deadline for submitting grant applications is March 24, 2017. For additional information on eligibility and to submit an application, visit the New York State “Grants Gateway” at:  https://grantsgateway.ny.gov/IntelliGrants_NYSGG/module/nysgg/goportal.aspx.

The DEC anticipates announcing grant awards in May 2017.

The current state budget included $5 million in EPF assistance specifically for invasive species control including these grants, which O’Mara and his colleagues in the Senate Majority prioritized during the 2016-17 state budget negotiations.

New York State is home to more than 7,600 freshwater lakes, ponds and reservoirs, as well as 70,000 miles of rivers, brooks and streams.  Consequently, O’Mara said, the state is particularly at-risk to the introduction of aquatic invasive species. 

[See today's full announcement HERE]