Ulster County Launches New Grant Program for Lower Esopus Creek Stream Projects

KINGSTON, N.Y. — Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has announced a new funding opportunity for municipalities and nonprofit organizations to support projects along the Lower Esopus Creek, alongside the adoption of a new collaboration framework aimed at strengthening regional watershed management.

The funding opportunity will support projects that advance the Lower Esopus Stream Management Plan, with awards ranging from $50,000 to $100,000. Letters of interest must be submitted by April 30.

The announcement comes as the Lower Esopus Creek Advisory Council formally adopted a Framework for Collaboration intended to guide regional efforts to restore and manage the watershed. The council includes municipalities and community stakeholders from the Lower Esopus watershed and the Sawkill and Plattekill Creek sub-watersheds.

According to Ulster County officials, the framework establishes shared goals, decision-making processes and a coordinated structure for advancing restoration, mitigation and other watershed priorities.

The framework builds on stream management efforts that followed a 2013 Order on Consent with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. That agreement funded the development and implementation of the Lower Esopus Stream Management Plan.

As part of the consent order, the Hudson River Foundation for Science and Environmental Research administers a multi-year Environmental Benefit Projects program that funds projects addressing water quality, turbidity impacts and ecological and recreational improvements along the Lower Esopus.

The foundation is now accepting proposals from local governments and nonprofit organizations for projects aligned with the Lower Esopus Stream Management Implementation Plan.

“Caring for the Lower Esopus is a shared responsibility, and the new Framework for Collaboration strengthens how we work across municipal lines to protect this important waterway and the local ecosystems it sustains,” Metzger said in a statement. “This grant opportunity will enable towns and non-profit partners to implement projects that enhance water quality, community access, and recreational enjoyment.”

Deputy County Executive Amanda LaValle said the funding could help local partners pursue larger state and federal grants.

“These dollars can also help local partners leverage larger state and federal matching grants, positioning them to bring tangible improvements to the Lower Esopus and the communities along it,” LaValle said. “We look forward to seeing these efforts advance and produce lasting results.”

Andy Bicking, director of the Ulster County Department of the Environment, said the newly adopted framework will help guide the council’s work moving forward.

“The organization represented by the new Framework for Collaboration will help the group realize its vision and goals in the years ahead,” Bicking said.

County officials said eligible applicants should review the Lower Esopus Stream Management Plan and Implementation Plan and identify the corresponding project number listed in the 2026 solicitation.

Letters of interest that meet program criteria will be invited to submit full proposals. Staff from the Ulster County Department of the Environment are available to provide technical guidance to municipalities and community groups interested in applying.

The request for proposals and additional information about the program are available through the Hudson River Foundation website.