RFA 0181 - Source Water Buffer Program
RFA 0181 - Source Water Buffer Program supports New York farms and landowners through conservation easements and vegetated or forested buffers to protect active public drinking water sources.
Funder: New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
Due Dates: Rolling (until funds are expended or the RFA is closed)
Funding Amounts: $5 million available; up to 75% of eligible project costs; standard five-year contract
Summary: Funds farmland conservation easements and vegetated or forested buffers that protect active public drinking water sources in New York State.
Key Information: Only Soil and Water Conservation Districts, individually or jointly, may apply on behalf of participating farms or landowners.
Description
The Source Water Buffer Program is administered by the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee in coordination with the Department of Agriculture and Markets. Funded through the Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017, it supports conservation easements on agricultural land connected to active public drinking water supplies, including aquifers, reservoirs, lakes, rivers, and streams.
The program purchases perpetual or 50-year conservation easements and supports establishing, restoring, or enhancing vegetated or forested buffers within them. Buffer systems filter surface runoff or shallow groundwater, protect water quality, and mitigate nutrient pollution. Projects may protect existing buffers or establish new ones, combining land protection with buffer management to safeguard drinking water sources for future generations.
