Informational Workshop Scheduled On State, Federal Grant Programs

Elmira, N.Y.-- State Senator George H. Winner, Jr. (R-C, Elmira) today reminded area municipalities and community-based organizations that an informational workshop will be held locally to discuss the application process for a variety of state and federal environmental, historic preservation and community development grant programs accepting applications in 2006.

This region’s workshop will be held in Elmira on Monday, March 27, beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the Community Rooms at Park Church on 208 West Gray Street. Winner said that staff from various state agencies administering grant programs this year, including the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), will be available to discuss the programs and answer questions.

"State and federal assistance can help communities undertake important projects, and I’m pleased that community leaders will have this opportunity to find out what’s available," said Winner.

Applications are currently being accepted for funding through several sources, including the 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act and the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). Assistance is available for a variety of projects involving waterfront revitalization, brownfields, community development, environmental restoration, historic preservation and clean water.

The upcoming informational workshop will review a range of available grant programs, including Local Waterfront Revitalization; Brownfield Opportunity Areas (BOA); Quality Communities Grant Program; Historic Preservation; Heritage Area Systems; Clean Water State Revolving Fund; Drinking Water State Revolving Fund; Small Cities Community Development Block Grant; and Rural Utilities Service Water and Wastewater Disposal Loan and Grant Program.

Winner said that no fee or pre-registration is required to attend the Elmira workshop. More information can be obtained by contacting the DEC Bureau of Contract and Grant Development at (518) 402-9240.