BLUE BUFFERS Voluntary Flood Risk Property Buyout Program
The BLUE BUFFERS program by Homes and Community Renewal funds the voluntary buyout and restoration of flood-prone properties in New York to create open space and reduce community flood risk.
Funder: Homes and Community Renewal
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2026 (RSVP for Q&A) | August 2026 (NOFA questions deadline) | August 2026 (Full proposal submission)
Funding Amounts: Up to $57 million per award (administrative + capital); total program funding up to $275 million; 3-year initial contract with possible extensions
Summary: Supports buyouts of flood-prone properties in New York State, converting them into open space to reduce flood risks and enhance community resilience.
Key Information: Forecasted dates; check program page for official timeline updates.
Description
The BLUE BUFFERS Voluntary Flood Risk Property Buyout Program is an initiative managed by the Office of Resilient Homes and Communities (RHC) under New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). Its primary goal is to mitigate flood risks in New York’s most vulnerable communities by funding the voluntary buyout of at-risk private properties from willing sellers. The acquired properties are demolished and restored to open space, creating buffers that reduce flood risk and promote shoreline stabilization. The program seeks to acquire contiguous parcels to maximize community-wide resilience and targets low- and moderate-income residents, particularly in disadvantaged areas with a history of repetitive flood damage.
Awardees serve as subrecipients, responsible for comprehensive project management—including stakeholder engagement, real estate closing facilitation, post-closing land stabilization, and restoration activities. The program builds on the legacy of post-Superstorm Sandy recovery efforts and is funded through state appropriations and the New York State Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022.
