BILL NUMBER: S1103
SPONSOR: MAY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to
establishing the New York state cooperative watershed management program
 
PURPOSE:
To establish a funding mechanism for watershed organizations that will
help to develop and professionalize watershed networks
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 defines the component pieces of the New York state cooperative
watershed management program, outlines the criteria for grant applica-
tions for watershed network development or professionalization, and
includes where networks may be housed within a region
Section 2 establishes the effective date of the bill
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This bill proposes the creation of the New York State Cooperative
Watershed Management Program, aimed at addressing water and watershed
management needs by providing funding to diverse stakeholder groups
known as watershed networks through a competitive grant application
process. Many of the state's watersheds are represented by a variety of
stakeholders; many of these groups have formed alliances or other
watershed-based networks on formal and informal bases to coordinate
their advocacy. This bill would provide support for more groups to do so
through watershed networks. These networks, composed of various entities
including but not limited to private property owners, non-profit organ-
izations, municipalities, and tribal nations, would work collaboratively
to develop local or regional solutions. Development grants would focus
on organizational activities like bylaws creation and stakeholder
outreach, while professionalization grants support hiring professional
staff and implementing management plans. The bill aims to foster
sustainable, non-regulatory, and consensus-based networks that promote
effective water resource management, emphasizing the importance of
stakeholder engagement and eligibility criteria to ensure responsible
use of grant funds.
The purpose of this legislation is to empower local communities in New
York to actively participate in managing their water resources through
cooperative efforts. By supporting the formation and enhancement of
watershed networks, the state aims to encourage collaboration among
diverse stakeholders, ensuring a holistic approach to address water and
watershed. challenges. The competitive grant program, funded through
general appropriations, seeks to promote transparency and accountabil-
ity, requiring applicants to demonstrate stakeholder buy-in and outlin-
ing specific criteria for grant approval. This bill envisions communi-
ty-driven solutions to water and watershed management issues,
contributing to the overall environmental health and sustainability of
the state.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S7854 (May)
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Subject to appropriations.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Sixtieth day after becoming law