What is considered "high-poverty" in order to receive 75% reimbursement?

For the purpose of this grant program, high-poverty is 10% or greater as found in the Poverty Level by Zip Code Table developed from the 2000 Census

What is meant by "underserved" under the Commissioners funding priorities?

The application should identify the targeted population group (e.g., mobility-impaired, aging population, downtown residents, youth), document the particular services that are not currently available to that group, and show how the project will address that deficiency.

What if a purchase offer will expire before the award announcement?

Acquisitions within one year of the application deadline are allowable. An organization could exercise the option and still be eligible for funding

What type of photo quality is needed?

The photos have to be in sufficient detail to recognize site features, including the architectural character of any structures. Digital photographs printed on quality paper are acceptable – photographic paper is not required.

What is included in Grant Administration?

Items necessary to comply with grant requirements. This could include a bookkeeper to track expenditures and grant payments, a clerk to complete forms and other paperwork, a project administrator and the supplies and materials needed to accomplish these tasks.

Do you need to get an EPF sign if you already have one from a previous project?

No.

Would a NFP working with the Town to build a park be considered pooling resources?

Yes.

Can State Park labor be used as a match?

Yes.

Do all projects need to be publicly bid?

Municipalities are bound by Section 103 of General Municipal Law. A Not for profit must show it has an established written policy for procuring quality goods and services in a way that assures prudent and economical use of public money in the best interests of the taxpayers.

Does volunteer time only apply only to the actual project area?

Volunteer time applied to the project is allowable as match, whether provided at the project site or off site in support of the project (lawyers at a closing, office staff preparing project reports, etc.).

Are historic structure reports eligible for funding as a stand-alone planning grant?

Yes.

Are appraisals allowed as a stand-alone planning project?

No.

Does the retro-active clause apply to a conditions survey if applying for a planning grant?

Retroactive expenses for predevelopment are allowed as match, not as a reimbursement. There would have to be cash expenditures during the project period to allow reimbursement.

Should phases of a project be included in the grant application?

The narrative should include an overview of the entire project, but the budget should only include the phase for which grant funds are requested.

Is there a strict time restraint to complete the project if a disaster strikes during the work process?

Every effort will be made to work with the grant recipient should the project be affected by a disaster.

When do I need to register on the website?

Registration must take place prior to 5pm on September 14, 2009 and a copy of the confirmation printout must be included with the application.

What is the time limit for ground disturbance?

All evidence of prior ground disturbance will be taken into account in assessing whether the project will have an impact on historic and/or cultural resources.

Do the MWBE goals increase when project costs increase?

The MWBE goals will be a fixed percentage of the total cost of the project, regardless of the size of the project or the grant amount.

Is there a limit on the number of applications you can submit?

No.

Can a previous unused grant be part of the match?

Yes. However, EPF funds cannot be more than 50% of total project cost (75%, if high poverty). Also, EPF funds cannot match other EPF funds.

Do archeological requirements pertain to projects that are solely acquisition?

Acquisition applications without a development component are not required to undertake archeological investigations. However, it is expected that sites acquired using EPF funds will be developed to allow public access within five years of award. This will be taken into account in determining whether the project will impact archeological resources during future development. The grantee will be required, prior to development, to comply with all State Historic Preservation Office requirements.

Relative financial status criteria – poverty vs. density mutually exclusive?

Each application will receive a score for poverty and density. The higher of these two scores will be the final rating for relative financial status.

Will planning only applications be in a separate category?

Yes, they will be rated and ranked separately.

If doing work in-house do MWBE rules apply?

An "in-house' project will probably include the purchase of supplies and materials, for which M- and WBEs must be solicited.

Can you get paid as you complete the project or is it all one payment at the end?

While this is a reimbursement program, interim payments can be provided.

Do you need to have a resolution for the project as well as the plan?

The resolution need only apply to the "project" for which funds are being requested. If the application is for a planning project, it is understood that the plan may be necessary before the governing body can authorize the project. All applications are required to provide a resolution authorizing the submission of the application and grant request amount. If the application is for development, and the project is identified in a plan, then a copy of the resolution adopting the plan must also be included in the application.

How do we know which category to apply under if we fall under Historic Preservation, Acquisition and Heritage Area?

Each application includes the rating criteria and point structure. The applicant should consult these to determine which program will maximize the application's score.