Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve (SSER) Local Assistance Grant Program
Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve (SSER) Local Assistance Grant Program supports municipalities and nonprofits with restoration and water-quality projects to protect estuary resources and communities.
Funder: New York State Department of State
Due Dates: October 26, 2026 at 4:00 PM (Applications and required certifications)
Funding Amounts: Approximately $2 million available; minimum request and award $50,000; no maximum request; contracts up to three years
Summary: Supports projects within the South Shore Estuary Reserve that protect natural resources and communities and advance its Comprehensive Management Plan.
Key Information: All projects must be within the Reserve; nonprofits must be incorporated in New York and SFS-prequalified.
Description
The New York State Department of State’s Office of Planning, Development and Community Infrastructure administers this Environmental Protection Fund program in cooperation with the South Shore Estuary Reserve Council. It funds projects implementing the Reserve’s Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP) recommendations or advancing Council priorities. Eligible work includes design and engineering, capital improvements and implementation, and outreach and community engagement. Design-only projects are eligible.
Priority activities include watershed and stormwater analysis, green infrastructure, marine debris removal, advanced wastewater treatment, habitat restoration, removal of species-migration barriers, living shorelines, and public access or Blueway Trail expansion. Projects may also advance CMP goals for water quality, living resources, the estuary economy, public enjoyment, and resilience. Individual private wastewater treatment systems are not eligible.
