The Gil Hodges Community Garden Gowanus project was funded by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection's Green Infrastructure Grants.

The Gil Hodges Community Garden Gowanus project was funded by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Infrastructure Grants.

On March 4, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced $6 Million in new grants for community groups, nonprofits, and property owners implementing green infrastructure. Grants will be awarded to applicants that engage local communities in environmental awareness through education and green job training.

This is the fourth year the city has offered this grant program. Over the last three years, $11 million in funds have helped establish 29 projects, preventing an estimated 13 million gallons of stormwater from entering the combined sewer system annually. See pictures of funded projects.

This year, for the first time, DEP will accept applications in the spring and fall. The spring due date is May 6, and the fall due date is Oct. 21. Further, applicants will have the opportunity to review conceptual ideas with DEP engineers prior to submitting their materials.

All private property owners served by combined sewers in New York City are eligible to apply for a green infrastructure grant.  Grant funding is provided for the design and construction of projects that will reduce or manage a minimum of 1 inch of stormwater that falls on the selected properties.  If selected, DEP will reimburse up to 100% of the design and construction costs for the green infrastructure project.  Preference will be given to projects that are located in priority watersheds, are cost-effective, provide matching funds or other contributions, and include ancillary environmental and community benefits such as increased shade, decreased energy use for cooling buildings, increased awareness about stormwater management, and green jobs development. Read more.