State calls for applications for historic preservation funding

Applications are now available to eligible municipalities and not-for-profit organizations to compete for funds through Preserve New York, a signature grant program of the Preservation League of New York State and the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA).

A total of $100,000 is available for historic structure reports, historic landscape reports and cultural resource surveys. Grants are likely to range between $3,000 and $10,000 each. The application deadline is May 5.

The City of Lockport received a $6,400 grant last year to study the creation of a historic district in the city. When the study was concluded, the city decided to apply to have the The High and Locust streets district to be included on the National Register of Historic Places. If the application is approved, about 85 homes and other properties on and north of High Street to Canal Street, west of Washburn Street to South Transit will be eligible for state tax credits to do preservation-minded repairs and renovations.

Eligible projects may include but not be limited to: a historic structure report for a cultural institution or public building; a historic landscape report for an Olmsted-designed park; or a cultural resource survey of a downtown or residential neighborhood.

In this round of grants, the Preservation League especially encourages projects that advance the preservation of neighborhoods and downtowns that qualify for the NYS Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit; continue the use of historic public buildings such as museums, opera houses, theaters, and libraries for cultural, interpretive, and artistic purposes; identify and protect buildings and cultural landscapes at risk due to technological, transportation and energy developments; and identify and preserve architecture and landscapes designed after World War II.

For Preserve New York Grant Program guidelines, visit the League's website at www.preservenys.org. Prospective applicants should contact the Preservation League to discuss their projects and to request an application form.

"The Preserve New York program provides essential tools to help the League's growing constituency conserve, protect and use their cultural resources," said Jay DiLorenzo, President of the Preservation League. "Grantees receive more than just funding from this program, they benefit from technical guidance and a long-term relationship with the League."

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