The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) today announced awards of more than $28 million through the state-funded Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to support 65 projects through Round XIV of the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Initiative.
“The fourteenth round of REDC grants will fund transformative recreation and historic preservation projects in 38 counties, strengthening the fabric of daily life for New Yorkers and driving investment and growth,” said OPRHP Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons. “Our agency concludes its Centennial year by working with the Regional Economic Development Councils to help communities achieve their goals and realize a brighter future for New York State.”
The Environmental Protection Fund Grant Program for Parks, Heritage and Preservation supports matching grants for the acquisition, planning, development, and improvement of parks, historic properties, and heritage areas located within New York. Funds are awarded to municipalities or not-for-profits with an ownership interest. The program is administered by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Funding for this program was included in Round XIV of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative. The REDC process continues to support and empower regional stakeholders in developing strategic plans and funding priorities that meet local economic needs. Regional Councils reviewed projects from this program and provided scores that reflect how well a project aligns with a region’s goals and strategies. Applicants utilized the New York’s Consolidated Funding Application, the state’s single application for state resources, which includes programs for numerous agencies. It is designed to provide expedited and streamlined access to a combined pool of grant funds and tax credits from dozens of existing programs.
A full list of Round XIV awards that have been made can be found here.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Investing in regional projects that offer innovative, long-term solutions is vital to addressing statewide challenges and creating opportunities that benefit all New Yorkers. The Regional Economic Development Councils know their communities' needs best, and their track record of fostering collaboration and forward-thinking ideas at the local level are essential towards strengthening our state's future."
About the Consolidated Funding Application
The Consolidated Funding Application was created to streamline and expedite the grant application process. The CFA process marks a fundamental shift in the way state resources are allocated, ensuring less bureaucracy and greater efficiency to fulfill local economic development needs. The CFA serves as the single-entry point for access to economic development funding, ensuring applicants no longer have to slowly navigate multiple agencies and sources without any mechanism for coordination. Now, economic development projects use the CFA as a support mechanism to access multiple state funding sources through one application, making the process quicker, easier, and more productive. Learn more about the CFA here.
About the Regional Economic Development Councils
The Regional Economic Development Council initiative is a key component of the State’s approach to State investment and economic development. In 2011, 10 Regional Councils were established to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions. The Councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. The Regional Councils have redefined the way New York invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom-up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources. Learn more at regionalcouncils.ny.gov.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 84 million visits in 2023. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and the OPRHP Blog.
