Background

The Suffolk County Drinking Water Protection Program was initially approved in 1987 by the electorate and was due to expire in November 2000. On November 2, 1999, the Suffolk County electorate voiced its support of protecting its natural resources by approving Resolution No. 1100-1998, thereby extending the Program for thirteen years through a ¼% sales tax extension to December 31, 2013. A portion of the total revenues generated annually by the sales tax are dedicated to offsetting the County cost of environmental programs via the Water Quality Protection and Restoration Program, detailed in Section 12-2(A)(2) of Article XII of the Suffolk County Charter.

Purpose

With its approximately 1000 miles of coastline, rich maritime culture, and water-dependent tourism and fisheries industries, the residents and government of Suffolk County depend on the health of its lakes, rivers, bays, estuaries and groundwater to maintain the quality of life enjoyed by its citizens. The intent of the Program is to fund implementation projects that will result in the protection and/or restoration of surface water quality throughout Suffolk County. A major emphasis of the program is to progress the recommendations of the Long Island Sound Study Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP), South Shore Estuary Reserve Comprehensive Management Plan, and the Peconic Estuary Program CCMP from a study phase to implementation.

Eligible project types are identified in the Charter and include Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control, Aquatic Habitat Restoration, Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control, and Pollution Prevention Initiatives. Education and outreach programs and projects that implement vessel waste no-discharge zones are also included.

Information for Applicants

The second Request for Applications (RFA) will be tentatively issued this year. An official project call will be announced via correspondence posted on this website, and will also be delivered to prospective applicants. Applications will be accepted only after official issuance of the RFA. The links below contain all documents necessary for preparing and submitting a complete proposal. Click on the desired document below to view it, or right click on the link and save it to your local drive. Application forms will be accepted by mail at the following address:

            Water Quality Protection and Restoration Program
            335 Yaphank Avenue
            Yaphank, New York 11980
            Attn: William S. Shannon, P.E.
                    Chief Engineer of Highways, Structures, and Waterways