Gov. Cuomo Announces $450,000 In Grants To Grassroots Groups To Enhance State Parks, Historic Sites

by Steve Yablonski | March 9, 2016 1:47 pm

Governor Andrew Cuomo today (March 9) announced $450,000 in state grants to 20 organizations dedicated to the stewardship and promotion of New York State parks and historic sites.

The grants, funded through the Environmental Protection Fund, will be matched by nearly $242,000 in private and local funding which will support projects to strengthen friends groups and enhance public access and recreational opportunities at parks and historic sites across the state.

“These grants will help preserve New York’s natural green spaces while also boosting tourism and strengthening local economies,” Governor Cuomo said. “Our parks, trails and historic sites are some of the best outdoor destinations in the nation, and this funding will help ensure they remain in peak condition for years to come.”

The Park and Trail Partnership Program grants are administered by the State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation and Parks & Trails New York, a statewide non-profit group. These dedicated groups raise private funds for capital projects; perform maintenance tasks; provide educational programming; and promote public use through hosting special events.

The Park and Trail Partnership Program grants are designed to:

Enhance the preservation, stewardship, interpretation, maintenance and promotion of New York State parks, trails and State historic sites;
Increase the sustainability, effectiveness, productivity, volunteerism and fundraising capabilities of not-for-profit organizations that promote, maintain and support New York State parks, trails and state historic sites; and

Promote the tourism and economic development benefits of outdoor recreation through the growth and expansion of a connected statewide network of parks, trails and greenways.

Representatives of State Parks and PTNY unveiled the 2016 grantees at an event today at the Keeper’s House at Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park in Westchester County.

The awardees are, by region:

Central New York – total awarded: $54,230

Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum: $45,625 to upgrade the position of Executive Director from part-time to full-time to better serve the educational needs of the area and boost tourism.

Friends of Fort Ontario: $8,605 to provide wireless internet access at Fort Ontario State Historic Site for the Friends and the public and to create a secure website and an online museum shop.

Governor Cuomo proposed the grant program as part of his 2015 Opportunity Agenda. Funding is provided by the EPF. The Governor’s 2016-17 Executive Budget includes a historic $300 million for the EPF, including a second year of $500,000 for the Park and Trail Partnership Program.

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/news/oswego/gov-cuomo-announces-450000-in-grants-to-grassroots-groups-to-enhance-state-parks-historic-sites/

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