Historic Revitalization Grant Program
Erie Canalway is offering up to $712,000 in capital improvement grants for historic properties supported is supported in part by the Historic Preservation Fund administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. This program offers brick-and-mortar investment in National Register listed historic properties and properties that contribute to a listed historic district, located within selected small rural Mohawk Valley communities adjacent to the NYS Canal System.
Program Goals
- Rehabilitate historic structures that benefit the local community.
- Award projects that strengthen tourism and economic development opportunities within the region.
- Advance positive public perception of local communities and the NYS Canal System as valuable places to live and visit.
- Align with other historic preservation, main street, tax credit, and waterways initiatives and programs.
- Inspire a long-term commitment by communities to continue to invest in historic infrastructure and community improvement projects.
Program Guide
Together with other public and private investments, grant funded projects will generate new economic development and tourism opportunities that enhance the region-wide strength of the Mohawk Valley.
Eligibility
This program is open to private, public, and nonprofit owners of historic properties in communities located immediately adjacent to the Erie Canal between the villages of Frankfort and Tribes Hill within the Mohawk Valley in Herkimer and Montgomery Counties. Eligible Communities List >
Eligible properties must be listed on the National Register of Historic Places or be a contributing feature to a National Historic District, at the time of application.
Key Details
Application Deadline
Rolling application period beginning April 1, 2024 and concluding October 31, 2024. Applications are reviewed as received and awards will be made for qualifying projects.
Award Range
Requests may not be less than $50,000; nor exceed $100,000.
Match
A 25% cash match of the total project cost is required. Match sources must be non-federal.
Please read the Program Guide for a full description of eligibility, application evaluation, and grant conditions.
Grant Program Applicant Public Information Session Recording
Watch the recording of the May 23, 2024 virtual information session.
New York State Historic Preservation Office Preservation Workshop Recording
Watch the recording of the September 26, 2024 virtual preservation workshop.
What we fund
The program will fund capital rehabilitation and repair activities that follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation, contribute to the community's historic character, and result in public spaces that support broader economic development growth. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to:
- roof
- masonry
- door and/or window repair
- painting
- façade repair
- structural stabilization
- ADA Accessibility needs
- site infrastructure upgrades
- mechanicals
- plumbing
- electrical upgrades and other activities to bring buildings up to code
Pre-development and administrative costs may not exceed 20% of the total project costs. Applicants must document a minimum of three competitive bids and select the most advantageous bid.
What's not eligible
- pre-development activities only
- requests for new construction
- landscaping
- building reconstruction
- paving
- private homes
- payments for previous activities and projects
- reduction of existing debt
- indirect costs
- purchase of real property
- political or religious activities
- additions to reserve funds or endowments
- regranting of awarded funds
Application Resources
Secretary of the Interior's Standards: The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties
Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualifications: Professional Qualifications Standards (U.S. National Park Service)
Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives: Historic Preservation Tax Incentives (U.S. National Park Service)
New York State Historic Preservation Tax Incentives: NYS Commercial Tax Credit Programs.pdf