State Agriculture Department Announces $2 Million Awarded Through Pilot Program to Soil and Water Conservation Districts to Improve Water Quality Across the State

Apr 27, 2026

During Earth Week, New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today announced that $2 million is being awarded to 26 projects in 27 County Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) across the state, through the Ecosystem Based Management – Stream Corridor Management Pilot Program. Awarded projects will help to protect water quality and the long-term health of the State’s waterways. Funding for the program was included in the New York State FY 2026 Enacted Budget and builds on the State’s efforts to support programs and initiatives that combat climate change and support the preservation of our state’s natural resources.

State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The Ecosystem Based Management program is focused on water quality protections both on and off the farm to ensure a cleaner, more resilient New York, but they will also support the economic viability of our state’s agricultural industry for generations to come. I commend our partners in this effort – our Soil and Water Conservation Districts across the state – for spearheading projects that will make significant improvements to the health of our waterways and soils and support the State’s climate and environmental goals.”

New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee Chair Matt Brower said, “The various projects being funded as part of the Ecosystem Based Management Program demonstrates the wide range of water quality protection and improvement practices being implemented by landowners with the help of the Soil and Water Conservation Districts across the State. It is great to see the money being distributed across many regions of the State, including New York City.”

The goal of the Ecosystem Based Management Program is to improve water quality, reduce erosion and sedimentation, improve wildlife habitat, and support the long-term health of our natural riparian ecosystems.

SWCDs were awarded the grants on behalf of farmers in one of four tracks:

Track 1: Stream Channel Restoration
Track 2: Stream Corridor Protection – Riparian Buffer Implementation
Track 3: Storm Water Culvert and Roadside Runoff Control
Track 4: Public Outreach and Education

Source : ny.gov

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