This page highlights New York agencies and other entities that are planning stimulus-related projects and programs and does not purport to represent every dollar that will be allocated to the state of New York. This page will be updated to reflect new projects and funding opportunities as information becomes available.
New York’s Project Submission Process
Like several other states, New York has a process by which private companies, local government entities and individuals can submit ideas for projects to be funded with $24.6 bi stimulus money. To date, New York has received over 18,000 proposals for projects and is working to direct each submission to the appropriate state agency for consideration.
New York is no longer accepting project ideas, but instead has created a page explaining each federal and state funding opportunity. Some state agencies also have their own procedures by which individuals and entities can bid for work on specific projects. For example, the New York Department of Transportation’s online contracting and bid procedure is highlighted below.
New York has also recently issued an informational handbook summarizing the money New York expects to receive for various purposes under the ARRA.
Current Activity as of May 15, 2009:
Transportation Infrastructure: Projected $2 billion+
New York’s Department of Transportation (DOT) will receive more than $2 billion in Recovery Act money to repair and improve the state’s transportation infrastructure. Specifically, it expects to receive $1.2 billion for its mass transit system, $1.1 billion for highway and bridge repair and additional amounts to be determined for its air, rail and waterway systems and terminals. The New York DOT has published a fact sheet explaining each of its transportation projects.
A number of highway and bridge projects have already been approved and certified. Project “Sponsors” (municipalities and other entities that wish to request funds for an infrastructure project) must follow a number of guidelines to submit their project for consideration by the applicable local or regional planning organization. A list of “frequently asked questions” about the project submission and acceptance procedure is available.
What this means for New York employers: Construction contractors and other building companies can expect to see many opportunities for work in the coming months. There are opportunities both for businesses and local governments that wish to “sponsor” a project as well as smaller opportunities for individuals and construction companies to bid on work. Employers that supply the materials used in infrastructure construction and repair will also benefit, as will skilled and unskilled laborers, urban planning companies, surveyors and engineers, among others. Construction employers who did not submit project suggestions should continue to work within their ordinary networks for additional subcontracting opportunities on upcoming ARRA projects.
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Environmental Protection: Total amount of funds not available.
The ARRA provides funding for a number of different environment projects in New York, including those to clean up hazardous waste sites, protect air and water quality and ensure against natural disasters such as floods. The work will include the construction of new infrastructure, the remediation of polluted land and water and the creation of “green” jobs.
Environmental Infrastructure Projects
New York’s Environmental Facilities Corporation oversees the creation of new environmental infrastructure to manage water and sewer projects in the state. The totals for each category of project are as follows:
Environmental Projects to be implemented directly by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC):
- $9 million for leaking underground storage tank reclamation and cleanup.
- $1.7 million for diesel emission reduction programs. This money has been allocated to New York by formula. Another $210 million is available nationwide and will be allocated through a competitive grant process.
- Additional funds for environmental work may be granted to New York on a discretionary basis or will be spent directly by the federal EPA and other federal agencies.
What this means for New York employers: Whether funding comes directly from the federal EPA or are filtered through New York State agencies, there will likely be a number of opportunities for employers to subcontract for work on environmental projects. For example, there are opportunities for work on projects that crossover between the federal EPA and DOE, such as programs to weatherize homes and supply more energy-efficient appliances. There will be construction work, the need for engineers and surveyors, field technicians, environmental scientists and researchers. The scope of occupations that stand to benefit from the work is broad.
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Energy: See below
Separate from the state’s allocation to improve its waste water and drinking water infrastructure, New York will also receive money for energy and environmental projects designed to develop and support renewable energy programs, improve energy efficiency, and reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses. Specifically, money allocated to New York includes:
- $394 million for weatherization programs for low income families and federal buildings.
- $123 million for the State Energy Program, which are designed to increase investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy for households.
- $175 million for the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant Program for projects that reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency. This money will be allocated to counties, cities, two tribal governments and the governor’s Energy Office. Additional money may be available on a discretionary basis.
- $TBD for the Energy Efficiency Appliance Rebate Program and the Energy Star Program to provide incentives to replace old appliances with energy efficient ENERGY STAR® Products.
It is expected that funds for these programs will be available by July 1, 2009, and all money must be designated to a specific project by September 30, 2010.
Although bid information for these projects is not yet available from the state, several federal grant opportunities are already available through the US Department of Energy (see Monster's Department of Energy page).
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Education: $4.8 billion
Preliminary numbers from the US Department of Education show the stimulus package will provide over $4.8 billion in additional funding for several existing operations and programs. As of February 19, 2009, the Department had made the following allocations to New York:
- $900 million for Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies for low-income populations and special education programs
- $55 million for Educational Technology State Grants
- $759 million for IDEA Part B Grants to States
- $35 million for IDEA Part B Preschool Grants to States
New York is also eligible to apply for up to $3 billion under the new State Fiscal Stabilization Fund. This money is designed to prevent reductions in critical education and other services. State Governors must apply for these funds and allocate 81.8 percent of them for education and may direct the remainder, 18.8 percent, toward other government services, which can include education.
What this means for New York employers: Educational employment opportunities include those for educators, educational consultants, computer programmers and other IT professionals, suppliers of education materials and equipment, construction workers, and others. Employers should review the state’s overview of programs to be funded with ARRA funds.
Existing Projects (with links to bid information):
Transportation
New York’s Department of Transportation does not currently differentiate between employment opportunities on Recovery Act construction projects and its other highway projects. Open contract opportunities for construction work are available on the NewYork DOT website, as well as links to related opportunities for architects, consultants and suppliers.
Environmental
Village of Greenport to Solicit Bids for Long Island Wastewater Project
- The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation awarded a $4 million grant to the Village of Greenport, in Suffolk County, to install state-of-the-art modifications to a water treatment facility on Long Island Sound. The Village expects to solicit bids for the project in June, 2009, with construction expected to begin the following month. The money will be distributed by the New York Clean Water State Revolving Fund.
Education
Education grant and contract opportunities are available, including information about both ARRA and non-ARRA projects.
Energy
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants
- Small communities (those not listed), may apply for grants from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
For more information, visit the New York Recovery website.