Frequently Asked Questions

How do I decide which programs I am eligible for?
There are four different applications available from OPRHP. Which program you decide to participate in will depend on the specifics of your project and various program requirements. The Historic Preservation program is used to improve, protect, preserve, rehabilitate or restore properties on the State or National Registers.

The Parks program is used to preserve, rehabilitate or restore lands, waters or structures for park, recreation or conservation purposes, including such things as playgrounds, tennis courts, skating rinks, bandshells and facilities for swimming, boating, picnicking, hunting, fishing, camping or other recreational activities.

The Heritage Areas program is used to preserve, rehabilitate or restore lands, waters or structures identified in a management plan approved by the Commissioner in accordance with Section 35.05 of the New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law.

The Acquisition program is for the acquisition of a permanent easement in or fee title to loans, waters or structures, including open space or properties on the State or National Register or identified in an approved local heritage area management plan.

Is there a maximum grant or a limit on the number of grants?
There is no statutory limit on the number of grants one property or one applicant may receive. The maximum dollar amount for the grant awards will be set at the discretion of the Commissioner each year and announced in the application package.

Who may apply?
Municipalities and not-for-profit organizations with an ownership interest in the historic property may apply for grant assistance. For purposes of this program, municipalities include governments (state, county, town, city and village), improvement districts, school districts, public benefit corporations and Indian tribes residing in New York State. An ownership interest may be outright ownership (fee simple), or a lesser interest such as development rights and easement or a long-term lease of a duration equal to the period of OPRHP's oversight of the project. All parties with an ownership interest in the property, including lien holders, will be required to sign the project agreement. Not-for-profit organizations must be subject to New York State's nor-for-profit corporation law, have a charities registration number and be approved for tax-exempt status under the IRS code.

What properties are eligible to receive grant assistance?
To receive preservation grant assistance, a property must be listed on the State or National Register of Historic Places. The property may be listed individually or as a contributing component of an historic district. An historic property may be a building, structure, object (e.g. boat or statue) or site (archeological or landscape). Although properties do not have to be listed on the State and National Register at the time of grant application, they must be far enough along in the process of nomination to be listed at the time of grant award.

What types of projects are eligible?
The goal of the historic preservation grant program is the preservation and improvement of significant historic properties in New York State. We are especially interested in protecting endangered historic resources. Grant projects previously funded have covered a broad range of historic resources and types of projects, including: exterior restoration of houses of worship; interior restoration of civic buildings; rehabilitation of sailing vessels; interpretation of an archeological site; stabilization of industrial ruins; emergency acquisition of threatened landmarks; and providing handicapped access to historic properties.

Can these grants be used to acquire property?
Yes. Historic property can be acquired by both not-for-profit corporations and municipalities. The boundaries of the real property to be acquired may not exceed the boundary of the property as listed in the State and National Register nomination, except that the purchase of adjacent or ancillary property essential to the protection of the listed property may be allowed.

Are these matching grants?
Yes. State assistance towards the cost of projects shall not exceed 50% of the approved project cost.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the large demand for grants and the limited money available, the applicant share will, in most cases, exceed 50% of project costs. After the grant award is made, the State shall not be responsible for any increases in the cost of the project.

What types of applicant share are eligible?
The applicant's share includes all funds, other than the grant amount, related to the project and which are fully documented. The applicant's share may include cash, the value of force account labor, real property, professional services, labor, equipment, supplies, and materials can all be used. Matching share is that portion of the applicant's share used to match the state grant.
PLEASE NOTE: Federal funds are not an eligible matching share.

When must my share be available?
The immediate availability of funds is a critical factor when evaluating grant applications. This assures that approved projects can begin quickly. Grantees will generally have to raise their full share within one year of the grant award.

Are there affirmative action requirements for this grant program?
Yes. Our Agency is committed to programs of Affirmative Action and agency staff will assist you in undertaking Affirmative Action initiatives as you plan your project. Article 15A of the Executive Law pertains to Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE)/Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). State Agencies are required to insure that all state contracts in excess of $25,000 comply with EEO requirements. In addition, capital construction projects in excess of $100,000 may be assigned specific goals for participation by MWBE's. These goals will be based on the scope of the project and the availability of MWBEs to perform work in the project area. Thresholds will be based on the total project cost. The grantee will be required to report each month and with the final payment request/final report. Capital construction projects which fall below the $100,000 threshold will be requested to solicit MWBEs during the project and document in the final payment request/final report their "good faith efforts" to involve MWBEs in the project.

Are there environmental review requirements for this program?
Yes. Before the Commissioner takes any action to award grants, the requirements of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) must be met. One of the most important considerations in environmental review of specific projects under SEQRA is designation of lead agency. For municipalities, the municipality will be SEQRA lead agency if OPRHP is the only other involved agency, or will be responsible for initiating lead agency designation procedures if there are other involved agencies (e.g. the Department of Environmental Conservation [DEC] via a required permit). For not-for-profit corporations, OPRHP will be the lead agency if OPRHP is the only involved agency.

When can I start work?
Once the grant is awarded, a project agreement (including a budget, scope of work and performance timeline) is formalized between OPRHP and the applicant. If you intend to begin any work before a grant is awarded, please contact your regional grant representative. Although acquisition costs may be eligible retroactively, in general, construction work undertaken before a grant is awarded is not eligible for reimbursement. Complete plans and specifications must be approved before construction work begins. All work undertaken on historic properties as part of a grant-assisted project must conform to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation Projects. Copies are available by contacting the regional grant representative or the State Historic Preservation Office.

When are the grant monies available?
This is a reimbursement grant program. Successful applicants must document project expenditures in order to receive matching funds. As a result, grantees must plan their financial arrangements accordingly. Advances of up to 25% of the grant amount, not to exceed the applicant's share in-hand, may be available once the project agreement is formally approved and conditions met.

Do these grants come with provisions for long term protection?
Yes. All successful applicants will be required to enter into a formal contract and other legal documents that will ensure the long-term protection of the property and restrict changes in the use of the property. Any property acquired or developed under this program will require that a preservation covenant be conveyed to OPRHP. In addition, any not-for-profit acquiring land for recreation or conservation purposes must grant the State a permanent conservation easement to the property.

What other requirements will need to be met?
All projects will need to comply with the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the State Labor Law (including Prevailing Wage), Worker's Compensation Law, and Section 14.09 of the New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law. Contact your regional grant representative for information on how these and other applicable statutes may impact your project.

Where can I get more information about preservation grants?
For more information, please contact the grant representative in your State Parks regional office.

How do I apply for a preservation grant?
Grant applications are available from the regional offices of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. A list of the regional offices and contacts is available online - or can be obtained by contacting the Grants-in-Aid Office, NYS Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation, Agency Building 1, Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12238, 518) 474-0428

When are the applications due?
Grant application deadlines are announced each year in the Spring/early Summer. For specific dates or to be put on a mailing list to receive information, contact your regional grant representative.

Is technical assistance available?
Yes. Contact your regional grant representative for questions on the application, including referrals to preservation technical staff and the schedule of pre-application workshops for each grant round. If you have questions about the State/National Register status of your property, or if you wish to get it listed on the registers, please contact our office or go to our Territorial Map section to find information for the field or National Register program representative for your county.

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