NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation (OPRHP)

The Environmental Protection Act/Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) offers funding through linked grant programs including park, recreation, and historic preservation activities. The EPF is administered by OPRHP and provides assistance to municipalities (including state agencies) and NFP organizations for the acquisition, development, and improvement of parks, historic properties, and State Heritage Area resources. Grants of up to 50% of eligible project costs can be used for acquisition, restoration, preservation, rehabilitation, protection, and improvement of historic buildings, structures, sites, and objects. Applications are received once a year. Projects are selected based on a competitive rating system. The Commissioner of OPRHP may set program priorities for funding each year.

OPRHP also administers the federal Certified Local Government (CLG) program. The CLG program supports local preservation activities and establishes a link between municipalities and state and national preservation programs. To become a CLG, the municipality must enact local preservation legislation, establish a local historic preservation plan and a qualified citizen body to administer the law, and enter into a formal partnership with the State Historic Preservation Office. Once enrolled in the program, the municipality is eligible to apply for special funding set aside for CLG communities. While most CLG grants are used for planning and public education projects, the repair/restoration of properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places is also an eligible activity. For more information about the CLG program, contact the State Historic Preservation Office.

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