MOHAWK RIVER — Grant applications are now being accepted for up to $50,000 as part of the Mohawk River Basin Action Agenda, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

A total of $600,000 in grant funding is available to help municipalities, soil and water conservation districts, school districts, colleges, universities and not-for-profit organizations to implement the goals and objectives of the Mohawk River Basin Action Agenda, which is a 5-year plan advancing efforts to conserve, preserve and restore the Mohawk River and its watershed. The grants are supported by the state’s Environmental Protection Fund, and are administered through the DEC’s Mohawk River Watershed Grant program.

“Gaining a better understanding of the Mohawk River Basin’s unique watershed is critical to determining best management practices and procedures to improve it,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos in a releasing announcing the grants.

“This is the sixth round of grants DEC’s Mohawk River Basin Program has awarded to support projects in watershed communities more susceptible to flooding and other devastating weather events caused by climate change and advances New York’s nation-leading climate goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, sustainability, and resiliency.”

Grant awards ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 are available. All projects must have defined measurable project objectives, tasks, and deliverables that can be completed within a 2-year contract term and be located within the geographic boundaries of the Mohawk River watershed, officials stated.

Examples of eligible project types include: projects designed to reduce point and nonpoint source pollution within the watershed; projects that seek to conserve, protect or enhance fish, wildlife, and associated aquatic and riparian habitats within the watershed; and projects that will promote flood hazard risk reduction and enhanced resiliency of Mohawk River watershed communities. The deadline for the grant applications is Friday, March 3.

Applications must be submitted through the New York State Grants Gateway website at www.grantsgateway.ny.gov.

Located wholly within the boundaries of New York State, the Mohawk River is the largest tributary to the Hudson River and encompasses 14 counties and 172 municipalities. DEC developed the Mohawk River Basin Action Agenda to bring together various local, state, and federal agencies and other interested organizations that share a passion for the conservation and preservation of the Mohawk River, its watershed, and communities. DEC’s Mohawk River Basin Program acts as the coordinator of the watershed-wide activities, assisting in the development and partnerships throughout the watershed to provide a framework for collaboration.