In November 1996, New Yorkers proclaimed their commitment to a clean environment by approving the $1.75 billion Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act. The Bond Act provides funding for a variety of environmental improvements related to five categories - Clean Water, Safe Drinking Water, Solid Waste, Municipal Environmental Restoration (Brownfields), and Air Quality. The Clean Water category includes funding for water quality improvements, habitat restoration, open space protection and development of waterfront parks, recreation and historic preservation projects.

Since passage of the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act, the Division of Coastal Resources and other state agencies have worked together with municipalities to restore, preserve and protect New York's valuable water and air resources. The Division cooperates with the Department of Environmental Conservation; Department of Agriculture and Markets; to annually review applications and award matching grants for projects with water quality and aquatic habitat benefits. To date, more than 250 water quality improvement projects have been funded statewide.