RFA 0181 - Source Water Buffer Program
RFA 0181 - Source Water Buffer Program supports farms and landowners through district-led conservation easements and vegetated buffers that reduce nutrient pollution and protect public drinking water sources.
Funder: New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
Due Dates: Rolling (until funds are expended or the RFA closes)
Funding Amounts: Approximately $5 million available; up to 75% state cost share; standard five-year contracts
Summary: Supports conservation easements and vegetated or forested buffers on agricultural land protecting New York public drinking water sources.
Key Information: Only Soil and Water Conservation Districts, individually or jointly, may apply on behalf of eligible farms and 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 lands that protect active public drinking water sources, including aquifers, reservoirs, lakes, rivers, streams, and their tributaries.
Projects purchase perpetual or 50-year conservation easements and preserve, establish, or enhance herbaceous or forested buffers within the easement area. These buffers filter surface runoff or shallow groundwater, reduce nutrient pollution, and provide long-term water quality protection. Districts sponsor projects for privately owned farm operations or private landowners renting land to eligible farm operations.
