Published: April 23, 2008 07:40 am         

Project funds available along Rt. 28

'Smart growth’ grants part of state program

By Patricia Breakey
Delhi News Bureau

Gov. David Paterson recently announced that $500,000 in state grants is available for six towns and villages along the Route 28 corridor for “smart growth” capital improvement projects. Locally, the funding is available for the towns of Andes and Middletown, as well as the villages of Fleischmanns and Margaretville.

The funding is targeted for capital improvement projects that apply the principles of smart growth within the Central Catskills, officials said. Smart growth promotes development in historic hamlets and aims to enhance the connection of residents and visitors to the area’s exceptional natural resources. Examples of projects that are eligible for funding include pedestrian and streetscape amenities such as sidewalks, benches, and parks, as well as facade improvements, reuse of abandoned buildings and signs.

“This is great news for these Catskill communities,” Peter Manning, Catskill Center regional planner said Monday. “It’s a unique funding opportunity,” Debra DeWan, Catskill Center interim director, said. “These meetings will give representatives of municipalities and nonprofit organizations a chance to talk to people from the state DEC about the grants.”

“The Route 28 Corridor is integral to the Central Catskills’ sense of place,” Manning said. “The state’s given the region a real boost, and it’s clear they are a key partner in helping communities preserve what makes the Catskills special while wisely accommodating land use change.”

Sen. John Bonacic, R-Mount Hope, said the grants will help the communities plan for sustainable development. “The natural resources and cultural heritage in our region are primary components that sustain and grow the tourism economy,” Bonacic said in a media release. “Protecting (the region) while promoting economic development opportunities is a win for residents and visitors alike.”

Bonacic said that the grants, a minimum of $40,000 each, will be administered by the DEC in partnership with the Department of State.

Applications must be postmarked no later than June 20 and hand-delivered applications must be received by 4 p.m. that day.

To obtain application forms or for more information, visit the DEC’s website at www.dec.ny.gov/pubs/37874.html.