For Immediate Release: May 19, 2003
Contact:
Victoria Hristovski | Director Public Information | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
Ray Brook- A workshop for town and other local officials on the application process for funding waterfront revitalization projects is being held on Thursday, May 22 at 1:30 p.m. The workshop, one of a series being held around the state, is free and open to anyone interested in applying for waterfront revitalization funding. This workshop will be held at the Department of Environmental Conservation in Ray Brook.
Several state agencies are involved in this workshop including: the Department of State, Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the Adirondack Park Agency (APA). Representatives from each of these agencies will be available at the workshop to answer questions about the grant application process for New York State's Environmental Protection Funds (EPF) funds.
APA staff has been working with the Department of State to include grant criteria which places and additional emphasis on advancing resource management and planning in eligible Adirondack communities.
Any municipality located on a state designated inland waterway is eligible for EPF funding. Applications from community-based organizations, neighborhood groups and not-for-profit groups can also be considered for funding if the application involves the participation of, and is submitted by, and appropriate local government sponsor.
Grant application material is available at the Department of State Web site: www.dos.state.ny.us
Of particular interest to Adirondack communities is the availability of funding for local projects involving the preparation or implementation of water body management plans, implementing waterfront revitalization programs, creating kayak and/or canoe trails, development and implementation of byway initiatives, improved use of local land use authority for natural resource use protection, flooding and erosion management plans, open space planning and other local efforts involving waterfront planning and protection. Non-profit organizations and local economic development agencies are also able to apply for EPF grants as co-applicants with an eligible community.
Since 1995, the EPF and the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act combined have provided more than $2.3 billion to help protect New York's natural resources and public health, improve the State's environmental infrastructure, and expand opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the state's natural, cultural and historic assets. During that time, the EPF alone has provided nearly $887 million in state assistance for more than 3,600 projects. The Governor's Executive Budget for State Fiscal Year 2003-04 recommends an appropriation of $125 million from the EPF.
Victoria Hristovski Director, Public Information Adirondack Park Agency P.O. Box 99 Ray Brook, NY 12977 (518) 891-4050 ext/173 fax: (518) 891-3938