Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

May 03, 2007

For Release: Immediate
Press Contact:
DEC: 518.402.8000
OPRHP: 518.486.1868

State Accepting Application For Environmental Grants

Series of Statewide Public Meetings Scheduled to Begin May 7, 2007

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis and State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) Commissioner Carol Ash today announced that applications are being accepted for proposed projects eligible for funding from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). These funding sources provide assistance for many community environmental projects. Public workshops will be held across the state to provide additional information and assistance to potential applicants on various grant programs.

"New York State has a rich heritage which is enhanced by our unique natural and cultural resources and environmental infrastructures," said DEC Commissioner Grannis. "The projects funded through these grant programs will help New Yorkers work together to invest in the future. I welcome and encourage your participation in protecting these valuable resources for future generations to enjoy."

OPRHP Commissioner Ash said, "The EPF and LWCF are unique tools that assist local communities to preserve open space, revitalize waterfront properties and protect historic treasures. Projects made possible through these programs enhance and preserve all facets of life, including our environmental resources, our parks and our history. Municipalities are encouraged to pursue these valuable programs that are an essential investment in the future of New York State."

Applications for the 2007-08 annual grant cycle are available for the Parks, Historic Preservation and Heritage Areas System Programs, the Hudson River Estuary Program and the Invasive Species Eradication Program. All of these grant programs will accept applications until June 29, 2007.

Representatives from DEC and OPRHP are collaborating to present a series of public informational workshops on the availability of these state and federal grant programs. These programs provide opportunities for grant recipients to work in partnership with the state to help protect and restore the quality of New York's abundant natural resources, improve the state's environmental infrastructure, and expand opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the state's natural, cultural and historic resources.

Workshops will be held across the state from May 7, 2007 through May 18, 2007. Staff from each agency will be available at these meetings to explain application procedures, and eligibility and project requirements. This year, many grant programs will give consideration to projects that enhance the legacy of the Lake Champlain and Hudson River water corridors in anticipation of the 2009 Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Celebration.

Grant applications and guidance documents have been developed for the following grant programs:

1. Parks, Historic Preservation and Heritage Areas System Programs (administered by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation);

2. Invasive Species Eradication Programs - Aquatic and Terrestrial (administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation);

3. Hudson River Estuary Program (administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation);

This year's workshops will also include representatives from the Water and Sewer Infrastructure Co-Funding Initiative which coordinates federal and state funding for drinking water and sewer projects to facilitate and optimize funding opportunities from a variety of programs.

There is no fee or pre-registration for these workshops. The times and locations for the meetings are as follows:

- Salamanca: May 7, 2007, 1-3 p.m., Allegany State Park's Camp Allegany facility, Bova Road off ASP Rt. 2;

- Depew: May 8, 2007, 1-3 p.m., Dr. Victor Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, 93 Honorine Drive;

- Penfield: May 9, 2007, 1-3 p.m., Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Road;

- Savannah: May 10, 2007, 1-3 p.m., Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 Route 89;

- Binghamton: May 11, 2007, 1-3 p.m., Broome County Office Building, 44 Hawley Street;v

- Oyster Bay: May 14, 2007, 1-3 p.m., Planting Fields Arboretum, Horticultural Center Building, Planting Fields Road;

- New York City: May 15, 2007, 1-3 p.m., Henry Street Settlement Playhouse and Abrons Art Center, 466 Grand Street (at Pitt Street), Lower East Side, Manhattan;

- Poughkeepsie: May 16, 2007, 2-4 p.m., Locust Grove, The Samuel Morse Historic Site, 2683 South Road (Route 9);

- Saratoga Springs: May 17, 2007, 1-3 p.m., Saratoga Spa State Park, Administration Building; and

- Watertown: May 18, 2007, 1-3 p.m., Dulles State Office Building, 317 Washington Street.

For additional information on the significant opportunities these programs provide, please call DEC's Bureau of Contract and Grant Development at (518) 402-9240.

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