Gary D. Finch

FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATELY                                                   CONTACT: MATT MOYSE (518) 455-5981

ASSEMBLYMAN FINCH ANNOUNCES GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR CANAL PROJECTS
 

     Assemblyman Gary D. Finch (R,C-Springport) today announced that grant applications for the Erie Canal Greenway Grant Program are available at his district office. The application deadline is August 18.

     “The Erie Canal is an invaluable asset to our community and both Governor George E. Pataki and Canal Corporation Director Carmella Mantello realize this,” said Finch. “The available grants will help increase recreational sports and promote tourism for Central New York.”

     A total of $6 million in competitive grants are available statewide for municipalities and not-for-profit organizations located along the New York State Canal System and proposed Erie Canal Greenway. Assemblyman Finch strongly encouraged any interested municipalities or eligible groups to apply.

     The state Canal Corporation has divided the program into the following four areas:

• Erie Canal Greenway Development & Tourism Promotion ($2 million)
   

• Canalway Land Trail ($2 Million)
   

• Erie Canal Greenway Water Trail ($1 million)
   

• Canal Community Infrastructure Projects ($1 million)

     The minimum grant request is $10,000, and the maximum request is $250,000. Funding for land acquisitions is prohibited, but the costs of acquisition may be used as a local match.

     Eligible projects for this program may include: canal parks and improvements, boat launch sites and related boater services, parking areas, docks, fishing piers, restoration of historic canal structures,
canal signs, and permanent tourism/imperative facilities.

     Assemblyman Finch said copies of the grant application are available at his district office. Finch’s district office is located on 69 South Street in Auburn, NY and Assemblyman Finch can be reached by phone at
(315) 255-3045. Funding for this grant program was included in the 2006-2007 state budget.

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7.20.06