Save the Rain’s Green Improvement Fund application period is now open! The revised priority map and revised application documents will be available on from May 15, 2014 until December 5, 2014 when the application period will close once again.

Funding purpose:

The purpose of Onondaga County’s Green Improvement Fund (GIF) is to support the development of green infrastructure and stormwater mitigation techniques on private property. Eligible property owners can apply to receive financial incentives for the installation of Green Infrastructure (GI) Technologies, including but not limited to:

• Rain gardens • Bioretention • Dry wells • Underground infiltration systems

• Green roofs • Porous pavement • Tree plantings • Tree trenches

• Planter boxes • Cistern systems • Added green space

 

Grant funding is made available only for project features associated with the installation of green infrastructure solutions and elements of the project that are needed to mitigate stormwater runoff.

Funding eligibility:

GIF grant funding is intended to offer assistance to Applicants installing GI technologies as an aspect of the development, redevelopment, and/or retrofitting of certain classes of privately owned properties (commercial, business, and not-for-profit owned properties) in specific geographical locations within the Clinton, Harbor Brook and Midland Combined Sewersheds (CSS), as outlined in the Green Improvement Fund Program Boundary Map, and located in select areas within the City of Syracuse.

Program procedures:

The GIF program award process consists of the following seven steps:

1. Grant applicants will complete and submit application form.
2. Application will be reviewed by GIF Committee for consideration of eligibility and funding recommendation. Recommendations are made to Onondaga County based on the amount capture volume associated with each project. Determination of project eligibility and funding levels rest solely with Onondaga County whose decisions shall be final.
3. Onondaga County will notify applicant whether or not the project is deemed eligible, and if so, award amount.
4. Applicant and County will enter into formal contract agreement for reimbursement.
5. Applicant will complete project as outlined in contract terms.
6. Upon completion of construction, Onondaga County will review project to ensure installation of green infrastructure as specified in contract terms and issue a certificate of completion.
7. Applicant shall submit copy of certificate of completion and completed claim form, provided by the County, and receive a one-time lump sum payment.

GIF projects:

Since its inception, GIF has provided over $5 million in funding to local green infrastructure projects on private property. These projects have captured more than 20 million gallons of stormwater throughout the City of Syracuse. Click here for a complete list of GIF projects, including site photos, project descriptions, and information sheets.

Program updates and additional resources:

• GIF Program Application (fillable form PDF) including full program eligibility details (revised May 2014).

• GIF Outreach Meeting presentation (PDF) (May 8, 2014) This presentation provides an update on annual changes to the GIF program and the Stormwater Management Model (SWMM) with which the program boundaries are determined.

• GIF Project Calculator (Excel file .xlsx) for Applicants (revised May 2014)

• GIF Program Boundary Map (revised May 2014): low resolution PDF (5.3 MB) high resolution PDF (14.4 MB)