Watershed Grant Program (2% Bed Tax)

Chautauqua County has a five percent (5%) occupancy or “bed tax” for the rental of lodging units within the County. Three fifths (3%) of the revenue that is generated from this tax is utilized to increase tourism, conventions, trade shows, special events and other directly related and supporting activities including business in the county. Two fifths (2%) bed tax is utilized solely for the enhancement and protection of lakes and streams in Chautauqua County through two competitive grant programs, both of which are intended to increase tourism and recreation opportunities.

There are two grant opportunities for lakes and waterways:

• In-Lake for projects located within Lake Erie, Chautauqua, Findley, Bear and Cassadaga Lakes
• Watershed for projects located within the watersheds of Lake Erie, Chautauqua, Findley, Bear and Cassadaga Lakes

The projects funded by both programs must demonstrate clear evidence how it will provide a public benefit.

Applications Available for County’s Occupancy Tax for Lakes and Waterways Grant Programs 

There are no upcoming events at this time.

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• 2027 In-Lake Grant Application
• 2027 In- Lake Ranking Sheet
• 2027 Watershed Grant Application
• 2027 Watershed Ranking Sheet
• 2027 Watershed Operation & Maintenance Agreement
• Part I Environmental Assessment Form for SEQR

2027 Watershed Grant Applications are due

April 1, 2026 by 4:00pm

The minimum grant amount available is $5,000, while the maximum grant amount is $50,000.

Funding for projects will not be available any earlier than January 1, 2027. Funded projects must begin and demonstrate measurable progress within one year followin funding approval. Applicants from previous years that have not demonstrated measurable progress will not be considered for the current funding cycle. The County Watershed Coordinator will evaluate project progress and provide the Legislature a progress report as necessary.

Each project selected for funding will enter into an agreement (contract or agreement of service) with Chautauqua County that defines the obligations of the applicant and the County. This includes, but is not limited to, items such as; reporting, payment schedule, terms of the agreement, use of funds, cancellations, reporting, insurance, disability, and workman’s compensation. During the term of the agreement the applicant must allow access to the project area to the County Watershed Coordinator. Applicants are responsible for securing all permits necessary for work and fulfilling New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) requirements. Funding will only be applied to costs incurred under the agreement after the agreement has been signed.

As the 2% project progresses, reporting with photographic documentation must be submitted to the Watershed Coordinator as defined in the agreement, which is typically at the initiation of the project, while work is underway, and at the completion of the project. All reporting will be consistent with the work plan (scope of services), timeline, and budget submitted as part of the application. Within 60 days of the completion of the project, the applicant must submit a project final report, which includes detailed financial information to the Watershed Coordinator in order to receive final payment.

All applications submitted for 2% funding will be evaluated by senior staff and management within the Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development. Each application will be ranked based on the quality and content of the narrative, the project’s impact tourism and recreation, and the degree of collaboration with stakeholders and the amount of Federal, State and Local funds included in the project budget

The Department of Planning and Development will provide the ranked list of projects to the Chairman of the Chautauqua County Legislature and the Chautauqua County Executive, who holds the right to deny funding to any and all projects. The highest-ranking projects will be included in the County Executive’s proposed Budget for 2027 and approved by the Chautauqua County Legislature for implementation during the 2027 fiscal year.