NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDS AND CREDITS
New York State
Consolidated Funding Application
Through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA), a single application for multiple sources of state funding, New York State is soliciting grant applications for funding to advance the priorities of the Regional Economic Development Councils (REDC). Funding will be available for the following projects:
Affordable Housing
Community and Waterfront Revitalization
Direct Assistance to Businesses
Energy and Environmental Improvements
Low-Cost Financing
Municipal/Public Infrastructure
Parks, Historic Preservation and Heritage Areas
Sustainability Planning Assistance
Transportation Infrastructure
Workforce Development
Application materials are available online at http://nyworks.ny.gov.
The funding solicitation opened on Friday, September 2 and applications will be accepted through the CFA until 4:00 pm on Monday, October 31, 2011. Final attachments related to program specific requirements, if applicable, are due by 4:00PM Friday, November 4.
For the ReCharge New York Power Program, the solicitation opened on Friday, September 30 and applications will be accepted through the CFA until 4:00 pm on Wednesday, November 30, 2011. Final attachments related to program specific requirements are also due by 4:00 PM Wednesday, November 30, 2011.
For more information or questions regarding the CFA, please contact the appropriate Regional Council covering the project area:
| Capital Region: | CFARegion1@ny.gov |
| Central New York: | CFARegion2@ny.gov |
| Finger Lakes: | CFARegion3@ny.gov |
| Long Island: | CFARegion4@ny.gov |
| Mid-Hudson: | CFARegion5@ny.gov |
| Mohawk Valley: | CFARegion6@ny.gov |
| New York City: | CFARegion7@ny.gov |
| North Country: | CFARegion8@ny.gov |
| Southern Tier: | CFARegion9@ny.gov |
| Western New York: | CFARegion10@ny.gov |
Grant funding is available through the CFA from the following grant programs:
Affordable Housing
Housing Grants/Low-Interest Loans and tax credit programs (up to $125 million)
Site-specific, Multi-Family Rental Programs
DESCRIPTION:
Up to approximately $29 million in Low Income Housing Trust Fund (HTF) funds are expected to be available, subject to the availability of appropriations.
Up to approximately $26 million in Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) are expected to be available. Of that amount, up to $3.3 million may be set-aside for Preservation Projects and up to $2.2 million set-aside for Supportive Housing projects, as those terms are defined in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Qualified Allocation Plan. For the purpose of this Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) and Notice of Credit Availability (NOCA), applications endorsed by Regional Economic Development Councils will be considered a special priority housing goal of the State of New York.
Up to approximately $1.7 million in State Low Income Housing Tax Credits (SLIHC) are expected to be available, subject to the availability of appropriations.
Up to approximately $6.4 million in Homes for Working Families Program (HWF) funds are expected to be available, subject to the availability of appropriations.
Project Based Section 8 Voucher assistance may be available for affordable housing applications that request funding from one of the funding sources listed above.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS/PROJECT TYPES:
Applications for site-specific, multi-family rental projects submitted under previous NOFAs, NOCAs and RFPs in connection with the programs listed above (HTF, HOME Multi-Family, LIHTC, SLIHC, HWF) may be considered under this Notice. A Request for Proposals describing the terms, conditions, and submission requirements for multi-family rental applications is expected to available by September 9, 2011.
AWARD, CONDITIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit
The maximum annual LIHC allocation per unit that may be requested is $22,000. The maximum annual LIHC allocation per project that may be requested is
$1.43 million. However, up to $1.65 million may be requested for projects in which: a.) 50% or more of the units have three or more bedrooms to serve
large families (defined as households with five or more persons); or b.) 50% or more of the units will serve persons with special needs.
State Low Income Housing Trust Fund
The maximum annual SLIHC allocation per unit that may be requested is $20,000. The maximum annual SLIHC allocation that may be requested per project is
$750,000.
Low Income Housing Trust Fund
The maximum per-unit amount of HTF that may be requested is $125,000. The maximum HTF funding request per project is $2 million. However, up to $2.4
million may be requested for projects which meet one or more of the following criteria:
a.) 50% or more of the units have three or more bedrooms to serve large families (defined as households with five or more persons);
b.) 50% or more of the units will serve persons with special needs as listed in the UF 2011 Reference Materials, Section 11, and for which appropriate on- or off-site services will be provided by an experienced service provider.
c.) demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the Green Building Initiative by receiving a score of seven or more of the ten points available under the initiative; or,
d.) demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the Energy Efficiency Initiative.
Homes for Working Families
The maximum award per project is $2.5 million. The maximum award per unit is $45,000 (in New York City, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester and Rockland
Counties) and $35,000 for the balance of the State.
NOTE: Prospective applicants should consult the Request for Proposals that is expected to be available by September 9, 2011 for a comprehensive description of the terms, conditions, and submission requirements for multi-family rental applications.
CONTACT/ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:
For more information on Multi-Family Rental Programs, eligible applicants should contact Sean Fitzgerald at New York State Homes and Community Renewal, 38-40 State St, Albany, New York 12207, call (518) 473-8732 or visit http://nysdhcr.gov.
Local Program Applications
DESCRIPTION:
Up to approximately $62 million in funding for Local Program Applications (Access to Home, RESTORE, HOME LPA, New York Main Street, Affordable Home Ownership Development Program) submitted under the 2011 NOFA may be considered by Regional Economic Development Councils. New applications for these programs will be accepted in connection with future Notices of Funding Availability.
CONTACT/ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:
For more information on Local Program Applications, eligible applicants should contact Chris Leo at New York State Homes and Community Renewal, 38-40 State St, Albany, New York 12207, call (518) 474-2057 or visit http://nysdhcr.gov.
Community and Waterfront Revitalization
Community Development Block Grant Program (up to $44 million)
DESCRIPTION:
CDBG funds are available for economic development, small business and microenterprise activities. Each activity must involve the creation or retention of permanent job opportunities that principally benefit low-and moderate-income persons. For microenterprises, an owner that qualifies as a low- and moderate-income person also meets the requirements of the CDBG Program.
Applications for competitive round CDBG funds submitted under the 2011 NOFA may be considered by Regional Economic Development Councils. New applications for these programs will be accepted in connection with future Notices of Funding Availability.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
Eligible applicants include non-entitlement villages, towns, cities or counties throughout New York State, excluding metropolitan cities, urban counties, and Indian Tribes that are designated Entitlement communities. Eligible applicants must apply on behalf of the business seeking CDBG funds. Awards are made to the applicant community and not directly to businesses.
ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPES:
Economic development funding is available for the following activities:
-
To provide financial assistance to for-profit businesses for an identified CDBG eligible activity which will result in the creation or retention of
permanent job opportunities principally benefitting low- and moderate-income persons;
-
To provide resources in an effort to promote small business entrepreneurship as a vehicle for sustainable economic development and growth. For the
purposes of the Small Business Assistance program, a small business is defined as a commercial enterprise with twenty five (25) or fewer full-time
equivalent employees at the time of application.
-
To foster the development or expansion of microenterprises or by providing grants in conjunction with capacity building and entrepreneurial
assistance. For the purposes of the Microenterprise program, a microenterprise is defined as a business with five (5) or fewer employees including
the owner at the time of application.
Eligible uses of NYS CDBG Economic Development funds include, but are not limited to: acquisition of real property; financing of machinery, furniture, fixtures and equipment; building construction and renovation; working capital; inventory; and employee training expenses. Costs associated with construction, building or other improvements are not eligible uses of NYS CDBG Microenterprise funds.
AWARD, CONDITIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
| Economic Development Program | $750,000 | Minimum Award $100,000 |
| Small Business Assistance Program | $100,000 | Minimum Award $25,000 |
| Microenterprise Program | $200,000 | |
CONTACT/ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:
For more information, eligible applicants should contact Chris Leo at New York State Homes and Community Renewal, 38-40 State St, Albany, New York 12207, call (518) 474-2057 or visit http://nysdhcr.gov/Programs/NYS-CDBG/EconomicDevelopment.htm
Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Grants (up to $10.875 million)
DESCRIPTION:
The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program provides matching grants on a competitive basis to revitalize communities and waterfronts.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
Eligible applicants include municipalities (villages, towns, cities, and counties) located within the State Coastal Area or along a major inland waterway designated pursuant to Executive Law, Article 42.
ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPES:
Funding will be available for the following grant categories:
- Preparing Regional Strategies for Community and Waterfront Revitalization
- Completing or Implementing a Local or Regional Waterfront Revitalization Program
- Redeveloping Urban Waterfronts
- Revitalizing Downtowns and Hamlets
- Planning or Constructing Water Trails
- Improving Water Quality
AWARD, CONDITIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
Grants will be available for up to 50% of the total eligible project costs set forth in the application and as approved by the Department.
CONTACT/ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:
For more information, eligible applicants should contact Ken Smith at the New York State Department of State, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12231, call (518) 474-6000 or visit http://www.dos.ny.gov/communityprojects/funding.html.
Canalway Grant Program (up to $1.5 million)
DESCRIPTION:
The Canalway Grants Program includes up to $1 million in competitive grants available to eligible municipalities and non-profit organizations 501-C(3) along the New York State Canal System for canal-related capital projects. An additional $517,000 in funding is available for state agency canal related education and interpretive capital projects.
ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPES:
Projects must preserve and rehabilitate canal infrastructure, enhance recreational opportunities for water-based and land-side users or promote tourism and revitalization of the canal corridor. Projects must be located along one of the four canals of the Canal System (Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga-Seneca), or trail linkages or connections to existing Canal way Trail segments, or located along the historic canal alignment.
AWARD, CONDITIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
The minimum grant request amount is $50,000. The maximum grant request is $150,000. Grant administration and pre-development costs shall not exceed 10% of the grant amount. A 50% match will be required on all grants and must be fully documented according to the requirements of the Canal Corporation and the Office of the State Comptroller.
CONTACT/ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:
For more information, eligible applicants should contact Michael Sullivan at the New York State Canal Corporation, 200 Southern Boulevard, Albany, NY, call 518-436-3055 or visit http://www.canals.ny.gov/corporation/grant.html.
Direct Assistance to Businesses
Regional Council Capital Fund ($130 million in capital funding)
DESCRIPTION:
Available for capital-based economic development initiatives intended to create or retain jobs; prevent, reduce or eliminate unemployment and underemployment; and/or increase business activity in a community or region.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
Eligible applicants include, for-profit businesses; not-for-profit corporations; business improvement districts; local development corporations; public benefit corporations (including industrial development agencies); economic development organizations; research and academic institutions; incubators; technology parks; municipalities; counties; regional planning councils; tourist attractions; and community facilities.
ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPES:
Funds may be used for:
- Acquisition or leasing of land, buildings, machinery and/or equipment
- Acquisition of existing business and/or assets
- Demolition and environmental remediation
- New construction, renovation or leasehold improvements
- Acquisition of furniture and fixtures
- Soft costs up to twenty-five (25%) of total project costs
- Planning and feasibility studies related to a capital project
CONTACT/ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:
For more information, eligible applicants should contact Edwin Lee at Empire State Development, 633 Third Avenue, New York, New York, 10017, call (212) 803-3618 or visit http://www.empire.state.ny.us/BusinessPrograms.html.
Excelsior Jobs Program ($70 million in tax credits)
DESCRIPTION:
Available for strategic businesses such as high tech, bio-tech, clean-tech and manufacturing that create jobs or make significant capital investments.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
The following strategic businesses located in or planning to locate in NYS that will create jobs or retain jobs and make significant capital investments.
- Scientific Research and Development firms creating at least 10 net new jobs.
- Software Development firms creating at least 10 net new jobs
- Agriculture firms creating at least 10 new jobs
- Manufacturing firms creating at least 25 net new jobs
- Financial services customer service back office operations creating at least 100 net new jobs
- Back office firms creating at least 150 net new jobs
- Distribution firms creating at least 150 net new jobs
- Other firms creating at least 300 net new jobs and investing at least $6 million
Firms in strategic industries that make significant capital investment that have at least 50 employees are also eligible to apply for participation in the Program.
ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPES:
- Job creation
- Job retention and significant capital investment
CONTACT/ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:
For more information, eligible applicants should contact Lois Lawrence at Empire State Development, 30 South Pearl Street, Albany, New York, 12245, call (518) 292-5240 or visit http://www.empire.state.ny.us/BusinessPrograms/Excelsior.html.
Economic Development Purposes Grants (up to $19.2 million)
Available for economic development initiatives and projects that create or retain jobs, generate increased economic activity and improve the economic and social viability and vitality of local communities.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
Eligible applicants include, for-profit businesses; not-for-profit corporations; business improvement districts; local development corporations; public benefit corporations (including industrial development agencies); economic development organizations; research and academic institutions; incubators; technology parks; municipalities; counties; regional planning councils; tourist attractions; and community facilities.
ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPES:
Funds can be used for:
- Acquisition or leasing of land, buildings, machinery and/or equipment
- Acquisition of existing business and/or assets
- Demolition and environmental remediation
- New construction, renovation or leasehold improvements
- Acquisition of furniture and fixtures
- Planning and feasibility studies
- Site and infrastructure development
- Inventory
- Training
- Soft costs
- Working capital
- Marketing and advertising
CONTACT/ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:
For more information, eligible applicants should contact Edwin Lee at Empire State Development, 633 Third Avenue, New York, New York, 10017, call (212) 803-3618 or visit http://www.empire.state.ny.us/BusinessPrograms.html.
Environmental Investment Program (up to $1 million)
DESCRIPTION:
This program is available to help businesses capture the economic benefits associated with pollution prevention, waste reduction, re-use, recycling and sustainable products and process technologies.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
Municipalities, Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs) and NYS non-profit organizations are eligible for technical assistance and capital project grants, on behalf of NYS business. Non-profit organizations and small to medium sized firms in NYS are eligible for research and development grants.
ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPES:
Funding will be available for the following grant categories: technical assistance, research and development and capital projects.
CONTACT/ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:
For more information, eligible applicants should contact Ann Marie Travis at Empire State Development, 30 South Pearl Street, Albany, New York 12245, call (518) 292-5340 or visit http://esd.ny.gov/BusinessPrograms/EIP.html.
Energy and Environmental Improvements
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Projects and Programs (up to $75 million)
DESCRIPTION:
To encourage New York businesses to increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will provide financial and technical assistance for commercial and industrial sector energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
Program funding is available statewide with the exception of Long Island. Only entities that pay into the System Benefits Charge and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard programs are eligible to participate, LIPA customers do not pay into these programs. A portion of the funding above is limited to only electricity savings measures or gas savings measures.
Eligible applicants include: NYS industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities, state and local governments, not-for-profit and private institutions, public and private K-12 schools, colleges and universities, health care facilities, and other non-residential customers.
ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPES:
Rolling applications (projects funded on a first come first served basis) are currently open under the following programs, with funding available through calendar year 2011 as follows:
-
Existing Facilities Program
- provides financial incentives to offset capital costs of cost effective energy efficiency projects that reduce electric and natural gas
consumption in eligible existing commercial and industrial buildings.
- Applications to the Existing Facilities Program will be accepted through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) on a first-come, first-served basis through 5:00 pm EST on November 30, 2011, or until funds are exhausted.
-
New Construction Program
- provides assistance when incorporating energy-efficiency measures into the design, construction, and operation of new and substantially renovated buildings.
These measures are designed to save energy through reduced electric demand, thereby lowering building operating costs.
- Technical Assistance is available to help evaluate energy-efficiency measures and provide guidance to your design team on incorporating new and emerging energy-efficient technologies into your building.
- Funding is available to offset the additional costs associated with the purchase and installation of approved equipment.
-
Assistance also may be available for commissioning services and green building opportunities.
- Applications to the New Construction Program will be accepted through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) on a first-come, first-served basis through December 30, 2011, or until funds are exhausted.
-
Flex Tech Program
- provides eligible facilities with objective and customized information on a cost-shared basis to help customers make informed energy decisions.
The goal of Flex Tech is to increase productivity and economic competitiveness of participating facilities by identifying and encouraging the implementation
of cost-effective energy efficiency, carbon reduction measures, peak-load curtailment, combined heat & power (CHP), and renewable generation projects.
- Applications to the FlexTech Program will be accepted through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) on a first-come, first-served basis through December 15, 2011, or until funds are exhausted.
-
Industrial and Process Efficiency Program
- incentives are provided to offset the costs of projects focused on increasing productivity, increasing process efficiency, reducing waste, and reducing electricity
consumption on a per unit of production basis.
- Applications to the Industrial and Process Efficiency Program will be accepted through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) on a first-come, first-served basis through 5:00 pm EST on November 30, 2011, or until funds are exhausted.
AWARD, CONDITIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
Existing Facilities Program - Pre-Qualified Incentives
Pre-Qualified Incentives are provided to encourage applicants to purchase and install more energy-efficient equipment for small-sized energy projects and equipment replacement projects. Incentives are available on a $/unit basis for Pre-Qualified energy efficiency measures. Applicants can receive up to $60,000 in Pre-Qualified Incentives ($30,000 – Electric, $30,000 – Natural Gas) per Facility per calendar year. National Fuel Gas customers using less than 12,000 Mcf per year can receive a maximum natural gas incentive of $25,000 per Facility per calendar year. For a list of the current measures available please visit the Existing Facilities Program website at: www.nyserda.ny.gov/existing-facilities.
Existing Facilities Program – Performance Based Incentives
Incentives are calculated by determining energy savings and multiplying that number by the applicable rate below. Final incentive amounts are based on one full year's savings.
| Upstate | Downstate | |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Efficiency | $0.12/kWh | $0.16/kWh |
| Energy Storage | $300/kW | $600/kW |
| Natural Gas Efficiency | $15/MMBtu | $20/MMBtu |
| Combined Heat and Power | $0.10/kWh + $600/kW | $0.10/kWh + $750/kW |
| Demand Response | $100/kW | $200/kW |
| Industrial and Process Efficiency |
$0.12/kWh
$15/MMBtu |
$0.16/kWh
$20/MMBtu |
| Monitoring-Based Commissioning | $0.05/kWh | $0.05/kWh |
NYSERDA will invest up to $5 million per facility, based on specific eligibility requirements. Please see the Existing Facilities Program website at: www.nyserda.ny.gov/existing-facilities for more information.
Flex Tech Program – Cost Shared Energy Studies
Eligible engineering studies can apply for incentives on a 50/50 cost-shared basis up to $1,000,000. Please see the FlexTech Program website at: www.nyserda.ny.gov/flextech for more information.
Flex Tech Program – Energy Audits
Small businesses and not-for-profits are eligible for a free audit. State and local governments are eligible for an audit on a cost-shared basis, with a fee determined by number of employees. All facilities must have an average electric demand of 100kW or less.
What's the Cost:
| Small Business or Not-For-Profit: | Free | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State and Local Government: |
|
For more please visit the FlexTech Energy Audit website at:www.nyserda.ny.gov/flextech-energy-audit
New Construction Program
Incentives are available to conduct technical assessments of energy efficiency improvements in building designs and to offset a portion of the incremental capital costs to purchase and install energy-efficient equipment in these buildings to reduce energy consumption. More information can be found on the New Construction Program website at: www.nyserda.ny.gov/new-construction.
Industrial and Process Efficiency Program
IPE's goal is to help manufacturers and data centers increase product output and data processing as efficiently as possible. Therefore, our incentives are calculated, when appropriate, based on a reduction in energy usage per unit of production or workload. Incentives are available for:
- New construction and existing facilities
- Manufacturing facilities and data centers
- Electricity and natural gas savings
Incentive Type |
Utility |
Upstate |
Downstate |
Capital Incentives |
Electric |
$0.12/kWh |
$0.16/kWh |
Gas |
$15/MMBtu |
$20/MMBtu |
|
Incentive Caps |
50% Project Cost |
||
$5 million/facility/year |
|||
For more information please visit the Industrial and Process Efficiency Program at:www.nyserda.ny.gov/ipe.
CONTACT/ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:
For more information, eligible applicants should contact 1-866-NYSERDA
NYSERDA
17 Columbia Circle
Albany, NY 12203
www.nyserda.ny.gov
Green Innovation Grant Program (up to $20 million)
DESCRIPTION:
The Green Innovation Grant Program (GIGP) provides grants on a competitive basis to projects that improve water quality and demonstrate green stormwater infrastructure in New York.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
Applicants eligible for a GIGP grant include municipalities, school districts, private or not-for-profit organizations, individuals, firms, partnerships, associations, and soil and water conservation districts.
If the applicant is a non-municipal entity the project must not be required as part of a Long Term Control Plan, Administrative / Judicial Order, or a State Pollution Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) Permit. All applicants must submit an approvable engineering report or an approvable conceptual site plan and feasibility study and a map that depicts the impacted waterbody(ies).
ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPES:
Funding will be available for the following types of projects:
- Permeable pavement, e.g. porous asphalt, concrete, or pavers
- Bioretention, e.g. rain gardens or bioswales
- Green roofs or green walls
- Street trees or urban forestry programs designed to manage stormwater
- Construction or restoration of wetlands, floodplains, or riparian buffers
- Stream daylighting, i.e. removing streams from pipes and restoring the natural morphology
- Downspout disconnection, i.e. redirecting stormwater from sewers to vegetated areas
- Stormwater harvesting and reuse, e.g. rain barrel and cistern projects
All projects must meet or exceed the standards set forth in the New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual (http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/29072.html).
AWARD, CONDITIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
Grants will be available for up to 90% of the total eligible project costs set forth in the application. A minimum 10% match from state or local sources is required.
Competitive projects will:
- Create and maintain green, wet-weather infrastructure
- Spur innovation in the field of stormwater management
- Build capacity locally and beyond, to construct and maintain green infrastructure
- Facilitate the transfer of new technologies and practices to other areas of the State
CONTACT/ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:
For more information, eligible applicants should contact Suzanna Randall at the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12207, call 800-200-2200 or visit http://www.efc.ny.gov/GIGP.
ReCharge New York Power Program*
*Note: Also accessible under “Direct Assistance to Business”
DESCRIPTION:
ReCharge New York (RNY) is a new statewide economic development power program designed to retain or create jobs through allocations of lower cost electricity to businesses and not-for-profit corporations.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
Businesses and not-for-profit corporations are eligible to apply.
The program is not available to sport or recreation venues, retail businesses, residential buildings, gaming or entertainment businesses, and places of overnight accommodations.
ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPES:
Not Applicable
AWARD INFORMATION:
Allocations of ReCharge New York power will be awarded based on a competitive application process based on legislated criteria. Recommended allocation awards must be approved by the New York State Power Allocation Board and the New York Power Authority Board of Trustees. Allocations of RNY power (in kW) will be delivered after the execution of a contract and no earlier than July 1, 2012. The contract will be for a term of up to seven years and will specify employment commitments and other terms and conditions for retaining the lower cost RNY power allocation.
TIMELINE FOR APPLICATIONS:
The solicitation for ReCharge New York opened on Thursday, September 29 and applications will be accepted through the CFA until 4:00 pm on Wednesday, November 30, 2011. Final attachments related to program specific requirements are also due by 4:00 PM Wednesday, November 30, 2011.
CONTACT/ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:
For more information, eligible applicants should call the ReCharge New York Hotline at 888-JOBSNYS (888-562-7697) or email Recharge.NewYork@nypa.gov.
Low-Cost Financing
Private Activity Bond Cap (Industrial Development Bond Cap)
DESCRIPTION:
Up to $350 million from the Federal IDB Cap allocation will be available for State and local government issuers to sell tax exempt bonds for private projects that demonstrate a public purpose.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS/PROJECT TYPES:
Qualifying projects must be eligible under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) sections 142-144, and 1394 which include:
- Multi-family and/or elderly rental housing for low income residents;
- Residential Rental Facilities;
- Small manufacturing Projects;
- Local furnishing of electric energy or gas;
- Local district heating or cooling facilities;
- Sewage facilities and solid waste disposal facilities;
- First-time farmer's property, equipment, and other capital improvements;
- Utility projects, including water, sewer, electric and gas;
- Bonds issued to provide loans for first time homebuyers (homeownership)
CONTACT/ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:
For more information eligible applicants should contact George LaPointe at the Empire State Development, 30 South Pearl St, Albany, NY, call 518 292-5307 or visit http://www.empire.state.ny.us/BusinessPrograms.html.
Municipal/Public Infrastructure
Economic Transformation Program*
The Economic Transformation Program was created to assist communities affected by closures of the state's correctional and juvenile justice facilities. This Program will leverage private sector investments to create jobs and support initiatives that will help transform the economies of these communities by providing:
- $50 million in capital funding to support economic development initiatives in communities impacted by facility closures; and
- 5 new fully refundable tax credits over a 5 year benefit period to new businesses that locate near and around a closed facility.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
Eligible applicants include businesses, municipalities, IDAs and other economic development organizations.
ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPES:
Regional Council Capital funds assist with construction, expansion and rehabilitation of facilities; acquisition of machinery and equipment; working capital; and the training of full-time permanent employees.
Funds can be used for:
- Real Estate and Land Acquisition
- Demolition
- Construction and Renovations
- Site and Infrastructure
- Machinery and Equipment
- Inventory
- Construction Related Planning and Design
CONTACT/ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:
For more information, eligible applicants should contact Lois Lawrence at Empire State Development, 30 South Pearl Street, Albany, New York, 12245 or call (518) 292-5240.
* The project has to be within an Economic Transformation Area and retail, real estate development and professional service firms are excluded unless located at the site of a correctional or youth detention facility closed after April 1, 2011.
Parks, Historic Preservation and Heritage Areas
Municipal Parks and Historic Preservation Projects (up to $13 million)
DESCRIPTION:
Funds are available under Title 9 of the Environmental Protection Act of 1993 for the acquisition, development and improvement of parks, historic properties and heritage areas, and for the planning of such projects.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
Municipalities and not-for profit organizations with an ownership interest in the property may apply for funding.
ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPES:
Funding will be available for the following grant categories:
- Park Development and Planning Program - for the acquisition, development and planning of parks and recreational facilities to preserve, rehabilitate or restore lands, waters or structures for park, recreation or conservation purposes and for structural assessments or planning for such projects. Examples of eligible projects include: playgrounds, courts, rinks, community gardens, and facilities for swimming, boating, picnicking, hunting, fishing, camping or other recreational activities.
- Historic Property Preservation and Planning Program - to improve, protect, preserve, rehabilitate or restore and acquire properties listed on the State or National Registers of Historic Places and for structural assessments or planning for such projects. Properties not currently listed but scheduled for nomination review at the State Review Board meeting of October 19, 2011, are eligible to apply for funding. Questions about or proposals for listing on the State or National Register should be directed to the National Register Unit at (518) 237-8643.
- Heritage Areas System Development and Planning Program - for projects to acquire, preserve, rehabilitate or restore lands, waters or structures, identified in the approved management plans for Heritage Areas designated under section 33.01 of the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law and for structural assessments or planning for such projects. The designated Heritage Areas with approved Management Plans are listed below. For exact Heritage Area boundaries, contact the Heritage Area or call (518) 473-7787.
| * Albany | * Harbor Park (NYC) | * Sackets Harbor | * Seneca Falls |
| * Buffalo | * Ossining | * Schenectady | * Syracuse |
| * Kingston | * Rochester | * Saratoga Springs | * Whitehall |
| * Hudson-Mohawk (Cohoes, Colonie, Green Island, Troy, Waterford Town/Village, Watervliet) | |||
| * Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt (portions of Chautauqua Co.) | |||
| * Long Island North Shore Heritage Area (Nassau and Suffolk Cos. north of Rte. 25/I-495) | |||
| * Mohawk Valley Heritage Corridor (Oneida, Herkimer, Montgomery, Fulton, Schenectady, Schoharie, Saratoga, and Albany Counties, excluding Adirondack Park) | |||
| * Susquehanna (Broome and Tioga Cos.) | |||
| * Western Erie Canal Heritage Corridor (Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Monroe and Wayne Cos.) | |||
AWARD, CONDITIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
This is a matching grant program; therefore grant recipients will be expected to provide at least 50 percent match to these awards, unless the project is in a location with a poverty rate (according to current census data) of ten percent or higher, in which case grant recipients must provide a minimum of 25 percent match. The maximum grant award will be $400,000.
CONTACT/ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:
For more information, eligible applicants should contact Melinda Scott, Chief of Grants at the Bureau of Grants Management, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, The Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza, Agency Building One, 16th Floor, Albany, NY 12238, call (518) 474-0427 or visit http://www.nysparks.com/grants.
Sustainability Planning Assistance
Cleaner, Greener Communities Regional Sustainability Planning Program (up to $9.6 million)
DESCRIPTION:
The Cleaner, Greener Communities Regional Sustainability Planning program is the first stage of the Cleaner, Greener Communities program and is intended to provide the necessary resources for each region of New York State to engage in a sustainability planning process to develop their vision, goals, and objectives for a sustainable future and to identify the activities or types of projects needed to achieve that future. In stage two of the Cleaner, Greener Communities program, funding will be provided on a competitive basis for implementation of specific projects that provide the greatest opportunities for achieving carbon reductions, energy efficiency savings, and renewable energy deployment consistent with a region's sustainability and strategic plans.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
Eligible applicants include municipalities (defined as counties, cities, towns, villages, Indian tribes or nations residing within New York State) acting on behalf of a consortium of municipalities within a region.
ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPES:
Funding will be available for development of regional (regions as defined by the ten Regional Economic Development Council boundaries) sustainability plans that will outline specific and tangible actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions consistent with a goal of 80% carbon reductions by the year 2050. The plans can improve overall environmental quality by reducing air, water, and land pollution and improve quality of life through smart growth and sustainable development. Projects identified by this planning process should improve energy efficiency throughout the community, promote renewable energy, and result in reduced emissions of carbon.
AWARD, CONDITIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
Funding will be available for up to $1 million per regional sustainability plan and only one award will be made per region.
CONTACT/ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:
For technical questions concerning this solicitation, contact Lindsay Robbins at the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, 485 7th Avenue Suite 1006, New York, NY 10018, (212) 971-5342, ext. 3008 or LRR@nyserda.org. If you have contractual questions concerning this solicitation, contact Venice Forbes at (518) 862-1090, ext. 3507 or VWF@nyserda.org.
For more information on the Cleaner, Greener Communities Regional Sustainability Planning Program, visit http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/cgc-guidance.
Transportation Infrastructure
Rail and Port Infrastructure Projects (up to $27 million)
DESCRIPTION:
This program, authorized pursuant to the Rebuild and Renew New York Transportation Bond Act of 2005, provides funds for passenger rail, freight rail, and port capital improvements to preserve and/or improve service in the State's major trade and passenger travel corridors, including capacity, clearance, intermodal facilities, yards and other projects that enhance competitiveness and economic development.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
Railroad Projects
- Any railroad company, state agency, the federal government, the Canadian government, any other state or agency or instrumentality thereof, any public authority of this or any other state, or any political subdivision or municipality of the state. All common-carrier, intercity passenger or tourist railroad corporations must be in good standing with NYSDOT at the time of application.
Port Projects
- Any entity, as defined in Transportation Law Section § 14-d, which owns or operates public ports, marine terminals and marine transportation facilities, exclusive of those under the jurisdiction of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPES:
Railroad Projects
- Any rail capital infrastructure improvement with a 30 year life, including but not limited to: track construction and rehabilitation; bridge construction and rehabilitation; elimination of clearance obstructions, yard, terminal and siding construction and rehabilitation; signal and train control systems; grade crossing elimination; and rolling stock acquisition with a 20 year life.
Port Projects
- Any port capital infrastructure improvement with a 15 year life, including but not limited to: dock and wharf construction and rehabilitation, material handling and storage equipment and facilities.
AWARD, CONDITIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
Projects require a minimum 10% local share of total project costs. Preference will be given to those applications that are able to provide a greater local share of total project costs.
CONTACT/ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:
For more information, eligible applicants should contact Raymond Hessinger, New York State Department of Transportation, Consolidated Funding Application, c/o Policy and Planning Division, POD 6-4, 50 Wolf Road, Albany, NY 12232, call (518) 457-2320, emailcfa.nysdot@dot.state.ny.us or visit https://www.nysdot.gov/programs/RegionalEconomicDevelopmentCouncils.
Airport Improvement Projects (up to $16.4 million)
DESCRIPTION:
This program, authorized pursuant to the Rebuild and Renew New York Transportation Bond Act of 2005, provides funding for capital projects aimed at enhancing the state's airport infrastructure and improving the safety and efficiency of the state's aviation services to increase economic competitiveness.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
Airport Improvement Projects
- Any municipal Corporation; public authority or public benefit corporation, except a bi-state authority; other owners of public use airports; a county pursuant to a written agreement on behalf of one or more cities, towns, or villages; or any combination of permitted applicants. Eligible airports must be included in the State Airport System Plan (SASP) and have an airport layout plan (ALP) approved by the New York State Department of Transportation.
ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPES:
Eligible capital projects must have a service life of at least 10 years and include, but are not limited to:
- Construction, reconstruction, improvement, reconditioning, and preservation of capital facilities;
- Pavement maintenance/management projects;
- Purchase of airport equipment operated and stored on airport property.
- Purchase and installation of navigational aids;
- Acquisition of land and easements;
- Vertical Guidance Approaches;
- Automated Weather Reporting;
- Obstruction Removal;
- Transient Aircraft Storage Hangar;
- Perimeter Control (such as fencing and gates, police substations, lighting, surveillance systems and other capital security projects).
AWARD, CONDITIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
Projects require a minimum 10% local share of total project costs. Preference will be given to those applications that are able to provide a greater local share of total project costs.
CONTACT/ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:
For more information, eligible applicants should contact Gerardo Mendoza, New York State Department of Transportation, Consolidated Funding Application, c/o Policy and Planning Division, POD 6-4, 50 Wolf Road, Albany, NY 12232, call (518) 457-2320, email cfa.nysdot@dot.state.ny.us or visit
https://www.nysdot.gov/programs/RegionalEconomicDevelopmentCouncils
Multi Modal Transportation Infrastructure Program
(up to $6.9 million)
DESCRIPTION:
This program, authorized pursuant to Section 14-k of the New York State Transportation Law, provides funds for capital improvements to rail freight & passenger facilities, port facilities, aviation facilities, local roads and bridges, and fixed ferry facilities.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
Applicants may include but are not limited to municipal corporations; municipal and privately-owned airports; State, municipal, or privately-owned ports; rail freight and intercity rail passenger operators; State, municipal, or privately-owned ports; and municipal and privately-owned ferry lines.
ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPES:
Transportation Multi-Modal (MM) funding is limited to Highway (including bridges), Airport, Railroad, Port, and Fixed Ferry Facility "modal" categories. Each category has its own capital project work type and sponsorship eligibility requirements. MM funding is not available for Transit (e.g., bus, trolley, intra-city subway) or Maritime (e.g., ferry boat or marine vessel) transportation projects.
All projects must be primarily for an eligible public transportation purpose and use. It is not sufficient that certain transportation capital projects merely be "open to public access" or otherwise provide only partial or minor public use. All projects must have a continuous service life of ten (10) or more years following project completion and NYSDOT reimbursement.
Highway/Bridge Projects-
Transportation Multi-Modal funding is for project costs of construction, reconstruction, enhancement, improvement, replacement, reconditioning,
restoration, rehabilitation and preservation of State, county, town, city and village roads, highways, parkways and bridges. Transportation
Multi-Modal Program funds cannot be used for the required local match on federally funded projects.
-
Transportation Multi-Modal funding is for construction, reconstruction, improvement, reconditioning and preservation of capital facilities of
Municipal owned Airports and Privately-owned public use airports. All Transportation Multi-Modal funded airport projects must also be consistent
with a NYSDOT approved Airport Layout Plan.
-
Transportation Multi-Modal funding is for rail freight facilities and intercity rail passenger facilities and equipment. Capital project costs for
construction, reconstruction, improvement, reconditioning and preservation are eligible for reimbursement.
-
Transportation Multi-Modal funding is for construction, reconstruction, improvement, reconditioning and preservation of all State, municipal, or
privately-owned ports. For the purposes of this program, a port is defined as "
any shoreline-based commercial cargo operation used for import/export navigation by deep water vessels engaged in international trade or
interstate commerce, or the shoreline-based facilities which support a public transportation service (e.g., public ferry or water taxi
service)".
-
MM Funding is for construction, reconstruction, improvement, reconditioning and preservation of fixed ferry landing based facilities of municipal
and privately-owned ferry lines used for public transportation purposes.
AWARD, CONDITIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
Applications received through the Consolidated Funding Application will be reviewed and subject to a project notification process as required by Section 14-k of the Transportation Law.
CONTACT/ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:
For more information, eligible applicants should contact Diane Kenneally, New York State Department of Transportation, Consolidated Funding Application, c/o Policy and Planning Division, POD 6-4, 50 Wolf Road, Albany, NY 12232, call (518) 457-2320, email cfa.nysdot@dot.state.ny.us or visit
https://www.nysdot.gov/programs/RegionalEconomicDevelopmentCouncils
Workforce Development
Workforce Investment Act related training and workforce development activities (up to $3 million)
DESCRIPTION:
Provides grants on a competitive basis for occupational skills upgrading and training of employed and unemployed workers to enhance hiring and workforce skills, commensurate with regional economic development strategic plans.
ELIGIBLE PROJECT TYPES:
Business Hiring and Training Incentives
-
Worker Skill Upgrading Training program will provide funds to private for profit and not for profit businesses to train their current (i.e.,
incumbent) workers in specific occupational skills needed by the business or industry that lead to potential career growth.
- The On-the-Job Training program will provide funds to private for profit and not for profit businesses to hire and train workers who are long-term unemployed.
Unemployed Worker Skills Training
- The Unemployed Worker Skills Training program will provide funds to businesses and training providers to train unemployed workers in specific occupational skills that will lead to employment with a specific business or businesses.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
Private for profit and not for profit businesses and training entities located in New York State.
AWARD, CONDITIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
Eligible applicants may apply for up to $50,000 per program, and may apply under more than one program. For applicants applying under more than one program, there is an overall cap of $100,000 per applicant organization. There is also a per-trainee cap of $3,000 for the Worker Skill Upgrading Training program and the Unemployed Worker Training program, and a per trainee cap of $5,000 for the On-the-Job Training program.
Contracts resulting from this RFP will be awarded for a period of up to one year and will operate on a reimbursable basis. Only not-for-profit organizations funded under the Unemployed Worker Skills Training program will be eligible for a cash advance of up to 25% upon contract execution at the Department's sole discretion and subject to the availability of funds appropriated and available for contracts entered into pursuant to this RFP. Any award must be expended on program activities in New York State.
CONTACT/ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:
The contact for this program is Andrew Gehr, New York State Department of Labor, Division of Employment and Workforce Solutions, State Office Campus, Building # 12, Room # 440, Albany, New York, 12240, (518) 457-0361. This RFP and any related questions and answers are available on NYSDOL's web site at http://labor.ny.gov/cfa/index.shtm.