Comprehensive Planning Resources in New York

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) - Housing
The New York State Community Development Block Grant Program is a federally funded program administered by the Housing Trust Fund Corporation’s (HTFC) Office of Community Renewal. The program provides resources to eligible communities to enable the development of decent, affordable housing, create suitable living environments, and enhance economic opportunities across the state. CDBG funds are available for housing activities including housing rehabilitation, homeownership, manufactured housing replacement, well and septic replacement, and lateral connection assistance that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income persons. CDBG funds are available on an annual basis through a Notice of Funding Availability.
For further information, please visit: www.ny.gov/CDBGHousing

All Affordable Housing Program
Homes and Community Renewal offers financing to private and not-for-profit developers for the creation and preservation of affordable rental housing. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Info: www.ny.gov/AllAffordable

80/20 New Construction Housing Program
Homes and Community Renewal offers financing for the creation of affordable multifamily rental housing in high-cost markets with a minimum of 20% of the units for low-income families. The remaining units can be rented at market rates. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Info: www.ny.gov/8020Housing

New York State Housing Finance Agency Bonds
Homes and Community Renewal offers financing to create and preserve affordable multifamily rental housing using agency-issued bonds, which can be tax-exempt, taxable, or 501(c)(3) bonds.
Info: www.ny.gov/LowIncome

4 Percent Low Income Housing Tax Credit
For projects financed by tax-exempt bonds allocated from the State’s private activity bond volume cap, 4% “as-of-right”, or non-competitive, tax credits are available to developers. These tax credits are not subject to the State’s annual 9% tax credit allocation ceiling. Applications for “as of right” tax credits can be made throughout the year.
Info: www.ny.gov/LowIncome

9 Percent Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHC)
Homes and Community Renewal offers allocations of tax credits for the construction or rehabilitation of rental housing reserved for low-income households with incomes up to 60 percent of the area’s median income. The LIHC program provides a dollar-for-dollar reduction in federal income tax liability for project owners. Applicants eligible to receive LIHC allocations include individuals, corporations, limited liability corporations, and limited partnerships. Applications for this program are accepted on an annual basis through a competitive Request for Proposals process.
Info: www.ny.gov/LIHC

NYS Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program (SLIHC)
Homes and Community Renewal offers a program modeled after the federal LIHC program with program parameters that allow mixed-income development including moderate-income households. SLIHC-assisted units must serve households whose incomes are at or below 90 percent of the area’s median income. The SLIHC Program provides a dollar-for-dollar reduction in state taxes to investors in qualified low-income housing. Applications for SLIHC allocations are accepted either throughout the year in an open window format or in response to an annual Request for Proposals.
Info: www.ny.gov/SLIHC

Low Income Housing Trust Fund
Homes and Community Renewal offers financing for new construction or rehabilitation of property for low-income tenants, tenant-cooperators, or condominium owners. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit corporations or charitable organizations or their wholly-owned subsidiaries; housing development fund companies; municipalities; counties (counties with their own department of assessment may be direct recipients; other counties are eligible as local program administrators); housing authorities (for properties owned after July 1, 1986); private developers who make equity investments in a project and who limit their profits or rate of return to investors; or partnerships in which the non-profit partner has at least a 50 percent controlling interest. Applications for this program are accepted on an annual basis through a Request for Proposals process.
Info: www.ny.gov/HousingTrustFund

Homes for Working Families
Homes and Community Renewal offers financing through low-interest loans to create and preserve affordable housing for families and seniors for projects that utilize tax-exempt bond financing. Applications for this program are accepted on an annual basis through a Request for Proposals process.
Info: www.ny.gov/WorkingFamilies

Middle Income Housing Program
Homes and Community Renewal offers financing through low-interest loans to create and preserve affordable housing for families and seniors for projects that utilize tax-exempt bond financing. Applications for this program are accepted on an annual basis through a Request for Proposals process.
Program information is available at: www.ny.gov/MiddleIncome

Rural and Urban Community Investment Fund
Homes and Community Renewal offers a variety of financing options that support retail, commercial, or community facilities in mixed-use affordable housing developments, and preserves existing affordable housing in rural areas. This financing is provided through an open window Request for Proposals. Resources available through this RFP are largely intended to be paired with tax-exempt bond financing.
Info: www.ny.gov/RuralUrban

New York State HOME Program
Homes and Community Renewal offers financing administered by the New York State Housing Trust Fund Corporation (HTFC) to acquire, rehabilitate, or construct housing, or to provide assistance to low-income home-buyers and renters. The HOME Program funds a variety of activities through partnerships with counties, towns, cities, villages, private developers and community-based non-profit housing organizations.
Info: www.ny.gov/NYSHome

HFA Second Mortgages
Homes and Community Renewal offers subordinate, low-interest subsidy loans to developers who obtain new construction and preservation mortgages from HFA and require a subsidy to maximize the number of affordable units and to reach lower income or special needs populations.
Info: www.ny.gov/AllAffordable

Farmworker Housing Program
The Farmworker Housing Program is a low-cost loan program that assists agricultural producers to make improvement to existing housing or construct new housing for farmworkers (both seasonal and year-round).
Info: www.ny.gov/FarmWorker

Mortgage Insurance Fund
Homes and Community Renewal provides project insurance on mortgages that finance multifamily developments, as well as pool and individual primary insurance for single-family residential mortgages purchased by the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA). Project mortgage insurance is available for multifamily rental and underlying cooperative mortgage loans. Eligible underwriting lender applicants include banks, public pension funds and retirement systems, government agencies, and industrial development agencies.
Info: www.ny.gov/MIF

SONYMA Mortgage Program
SONYMA has various mortgage programs for low and moderate income first-time homebuyers including special programs for military veterans, active military, and National Guard; homes built to New York State Energy-Star standards; and homes in need of repair. All SONYMA programs feature financing up to 97 percent with a minimum cash contribution as low as 1 percent; down payment assistance up to $15,000; funds for home improvements; and competitive, fixed-rate loans. Applicants must contact participating lenders to apply for SONYMA mortgages.
Info: www.ny.gov/SONYMA

Affordable Housing Corporation Home Ownership Development Program
This program provides grants to governmental, not-for-profit, and charitable groups to build, acquire, rehabilitate, or improve homes for low and moderate income families. Applications for this program are accepted on an annual basis through a Request for Proposals process.
Info: www.ny.gov/AHCG

Access to Home Program
This program offers financial assistance to property owners to make dwelling units accessible for low and moderate income persons with disabilities. Applications for this program are accepted on an annual basis through a Request for Proposals process.
Info: www.ny.gov/AccessToHome

Residential Emergency Services to Offer Repairs to the Elderly
This program provides financial assistance to elderly homeowners to make repairs to eliminate hazardous conditions in their homes. Applications for this program are accepted on an annual basis through a Request for Proposals process.
Info: www.ny.gov/RestoreRepair

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
This program helps to improve the energy efficiency of homes, reducing heating and cooling costs and improving the safety. Households with incomes at or below 60 percent of the state median income are eligible for assistance.
For more information, contact a WAP provider in your area: www.ny.gov/weatherization

NYS Water Grants
NYS Water Grants are provided on a competitive basis to drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects that improve water quality or protect public health. Applicants may include a municipality or a public benefit corporation, public authority, or state agency empowered to build and operate a water supply facility or sewage treatment works. NYS Water Grants are awarded to projects for replacement or repair of infrastructure or compliance with environmental and public health laws and regulations related to water quality.
Info: www.ny.gov/WaterGrants

State Water Revolving Funds
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) provides low-cost financing to municipalities to construct, upgrade, or replace water quality protection projects such as sewers and wastewater treatment facilities. The CWSRF is administered jointly by the Environmental Facilities Corporation and the Department of Environmental Conservation.
Info: www.ny.gov/CWSRF

The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF)
This program provides low-cost financing to construct, upgrade, or replace drinking water infrastructure projects such as water treatment plants, distribution mains, and storage facilities. The DWSF is administered jointly by the Environmental Facilities Corporation and the Department of Health.
Info: www.ny.gov/DWSRF

Water Quality Planning and Implementation Grants
The Water Quality Planning and Implementation Grants assist watershed communities in preparing or updating comprehensive plans, establishing or revising community development tools and local laws, and creating strategic plans for hamlets, villages, and other potentially developable areas within the Watershed. This program is open to East and West-of-Hudson watershed municipalities.
Info: www.ny.gov/Watershed

Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP)
Brownfields have soil or groundwater contamination which exceed state standards to protect public health and the environment. The goal of the BCP is to encourage private-sector cleanups of brownfields and promote their redevelopment as a means to revitalize economically blighted communities. Restoring brownfields protects public health, increases job opportunities, preserves open space, and revitalizes neighborhoods. The program offers tax credits of 22 to 50 percent of the cost of cleanup and in many cases provides additional credits for the redevelopment of a site, including bonus credits when reused for manufacturing or affordable housing.
Info: www.ny.gov/BCP

Coastal Erosion Management Projects
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) provides assistance to local municipalities in addressing coastal erosion issues along the state’s coast lines by partnering with the Army Corps of Engineers and the local municipality to develop eligible projects that qualify for the Corps programs to address these erosional issues.
Info: www.ny.gov/CoastalErosion

Conservation Partnership Program
The Conservation Partnership Program is a public-private partnership between DEC and the Land Trust Alliance that invests in New York land trusts. Grants help local land trusts sustain and expand outreach initiatives and develop an array of conservation, stewardship, and education programs. The grants strengthen partnerships with local and state governments by supporting prime farmland protection, enhancing public access and recreation opportunities, and conserving private lands prioritized in the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan and state wildlife action plan.
Info: www.ny.gov/CPP

Environmental Justice Community Impact Grants
Environmental justice areas are low-income and minority communities burdened by environmental problems. Community Impact Grants are available for community-based organizations to implement projects that address environmental and public health concerns in these neighborhoods. Problems include: a large number of facilities with environmental impacts, such as emissions or discharges which contribute to noise, air, and water pollution; contaminated sites; and lack of green space and waterfront access.
Info: www.ny.gov/EnviroJustice

Flood Control Projects
DEC’s Bureau of Flood Protection and Dam Safety provides assistance to local municipalities in addressing riverine flooding issues through partnering with the Army Corps of Engineers and the local municipality to develop eligible projects through the Corps programs to address these flooding issues.
Info: www.ny.gov/FloodControl

Flood Plain Management
DEC provides assistance to local municipalities in addressing the management of flood plains. The Department works with municipalities to help them meet the requirements of the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. The Department also assists municipalities in assessing damages for assistance from FEMA after a flood. Info: www.ny.gov/FloodPlain DEC also has a draft guidance document for state agencies and communities that provides guidance on how to design for future flooding conditions due to sea level rise and climate change.
Info: www.ny.gov/FloodGuidance

Forest Stewardship Program
A service forester will visit private forest lands upon request. They will accompany landowners on a tour of their woodland and outline existing forest management opportunities. The forester will develop a forest stewardship management plan with recommendations based on good forestry practices that reflect your goals and objectives of ownership. This service is free to all private non-industrial forest landowners.
Info: www.ny.gov/ForestStewardship

Green Purchasing Resources
The State’s Office of General Services and Department of Environmental Conservation have issued 44 green specifications to help agencies, municipalities, and schools purchase sustainable products and services, including “Sustainable Landscaping” and pest management on “Turf and Ornamentals.” These specifications encourage the preservation of riparian zones, open space and natural habitats, as well as the avoidance of pesticide use. The Office of General Services has also created a list of more than 20 centralized state contracts and preferred source offerings that meet the specifications and are available online.
Info: www.ny.gov/GreenPurchasing

Household Hazardous Waste State Assistance Grant Program
DEC provides grants to local government for household hazardous waste (HHW) collection days and construction of permanent HHW collection facilities to provide a safe alternative for recycling or disposal of household hazardous materials. The grants provide 50 percent reimbursement for costs of conducting HHW collection.
Info: www.ny.gov/HHW

Hudson River Estuary Program
The Hudson River Estuary Program helps people enjoy, protect, and revitalize the Hudson River and its valley. The mission of the Estuary Program is built around six benefits: clean water; resilient communities; vital estuary ecosystem; estuary fish, wildlife, and habitats; natural scenery; and education, river access, recreation, and inspiration. The program is guided by an action agenda, a conservation and restoration blueprint developed with significant community input. The Hudson River Estuary Program collaborates with many partners and includes research, education, and training; natural resource conservation and protection; restoration projects; and community planning assistance. The program offers a range of grant funding for planning, access, and education projects.
Info: www.ny.gov/HREP

South Shore Estuary Reserve
Periodic funding opportunities are announced to promote the goals of Long Island’s South Shore Estuary Reserve (SSER) program. The SSER features vast stretches of sandy beaches, marinas, parks and nature preserves. Home to 1.5 million people, the SSER is an anchor for Long Island’s tourism, seafood, and recreation industries. The Department of State works with local communities and a broad-based, 23-member SSER Council to implement the SSER Comprehensive Management Plan, including improving and maintaining water quality, protecting and restoring the living resources of the Reserve; expanding public use and enjoyment of the Reserve; sustaining and expanding the Estuary-related economy; and increasing education, outreach and stewardship.
Info: www.ny.gov/SSER

Mohawk River Basin Program and Watershed Grants
The Mohawk River is the largest tributary to the Hudson River. The Mohawk River Basin Program seeks to conserve, preserve, and restore the environmental quality of the Mohawk River and its watershed. The program specifically identified actions to address five goals: 1) Fish, Wildlife, Habitats; 2) Water Quality; 3) Flood Hazard Risk Reduction; 4) Community Planning and Revitalization; 5) Working Landscapes, Land Use and Open Space. Info: www.ny.gov/MRBP
The program also offers grants to municipalities and not-for-profits for projects that promote environmental protection and habitat restoration; flood risk reduction and resiliency; and projects that protect and improve water quality within the Mohawk River watershed.
Info: www.ny.gov/MRWatershed

Municipal Sewage System Asset Management Pilot
The Department of Environmental Conservation is developing a municipal sewage system asset management program to help municipalities better manage their sewage systems to protect public health and the long-term economic viability of communities. Before the program is implemented statewide, up to 20 communities will be selected to participate in a pilot, anticipated to begin in late 2016. Each participating community will receive engineering services to create a customized asset management plan and guide them through 2-3 years of implementation.
Info: www.ny.gov/MSSAMP

Municipal Waste Reduction and Recycling Grants
DEC provides grants to municipalities for waste reduction and prevention projects; recycling capital projects; and grants for recycling coordination and education projects. These grants will support 50 percent reimbursement for costs of recycling facilities, equipment, coordination and promotion.
Info: www.ny.gov/MWR

New York Environmental Leaders
The New York Environmental Leaders program provides recognition and incentives to businesses and organizations that are committed to sustainable practices and conserving New York’s environment and natural resources. Leaders get access to technical assistance on projects from DEC and the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute, as well as access to a network of like-minded entities to share best practices. The updated program is out for public comment and an enrollment period will be held later in 2016.
Info: www.ny.gov/EnviroLeaders

NYSP2I (NYS Pollution Prevention Institute)
NYSP2I provides technical assistance to businesses, local governments, and organizations looking to streamline their processes, conserve their resources, and reduce their environmental impact. NYSP2I can assist organizations with developing a strategic plan with measurable targets to manage utilization of water, energy and material resources.
Info: www.ny.gov/NYSP2i

Smart Growth Grants
Smart Growth Grants support projects focused on sustainable development, environmental protection, and livability. This includes long-term plans and strategic planning. The program also funds implementation of smart growth projects identified in prior plans. The DEC program focuses on the Adirondack and Catskills regions.
Info: www.ny.gov/SmartGrowth

Trees for Tribs
In partnership with local volunteers, the Trees for Tribs Program plants trees and shrubs along the tributary streams of New York to reduce water pollution, erosion and flood damage, and provide habitat for fish and other wildlife.
Info: www.ny.gov/Trees4Tribs

Urban Forestry Cost Share Grants
Urban Forestry Cost Share Grants help communities with comprehensive planning, management, and education to create healthy urban and community forests, enhancing the quality of life of urban residents. Eligible projects include tree inventories and management plans, tree planting and maintenance, invasive pest detection surveys, and $1,000 Quick Start Arbor Day Grants.
Info: www.ny.gov/UFCSG

Climate Smart Communities
Climate Smart Communities is an interagency program to support local action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy use, and adapt to changing climate hazards through online guidance materials, notification of training and funding opportunities, webinars and technical support. Counties, cities, towns and villages become registered Climate Smart Communities by taking the Climate Smart Community Pledge. In 2014, Governor Cuomo launched the Climate Smart Communities certification program to provide additional recognition to leading communities and a well-defined framework of local climate action. The 2016/2017 Environmental Protection Fund expansion created the Climate Smart Communities grants program to support adaptation and greenhouse gas mitigation projects, and specific Climate Smart Community certification actions. Information: http://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/76483.html

NY-SUN
The NY-Sun program offers incentives for solar PV installations on the roofs of homes and businesses, and for new shared solar installations that allow renters and apartment dwellers to go solar for the first time. NY-Sun also provides technical assistance and funds for communities to organize “Solarize” campaigns for group purchasing of solar technology. Residential and commercial customers can apply for the incentives with the help of a NYSERDA Participating Contractor. Info: www.ny.gov/NYSUN

NY Prize

NY Prize is a first-in-the nation microgrid competition that provides grants to communities for the design and implementation of microgrids. Stage One of competition awarded 83 communities with funds for project feasibility studies. Any community is eligible for Stage Two funds; the RFP closes on October 12, 2016. Info: www.ny.gov/NYPrize

NY Green Bank

NY Green Bank partners with private capital providers and other clean energy industry participants on clean energy project development. NY Green Bank provides products like credit enhancements, loans, and warehousing services to help scale the market for clean energy in New York. NY Green Bank’s accepts proposals on a rolling basis. Info: www.ny.gov/NYGreenBank

Clean Energy Communities

Provides local governments with on-the-ground technical assistance, grants, and recognition to implement low-cost, high-impact actions to drive clean energy in their communities, such as adopting a local benchmarking ordinance or converting streetlights to LEDs. Program due to launch in August 2016. Info: www.ny.gov/CleanEnergy

Combined Heat & Power Program

Offers incentives for Combined Heat & Power installations at large commercial, industrial, or multifamily buildings. CHP systems can greatly increase local resiliency by acting as an on-site energy resource when power outages occur. CHP program funding opportunities are reviewed on a first come, first served basis. Info: www.ny.gov/HeatPower

Residential Energy Efficiency

NYSERDA offers multiple energy efficiency incentives for existing and new residential buildings, including single family homes and multifamily apartment dwellings, and for low and moderate income energy customers. Homeowners and building owners can apply for incentive programs via NYSERDA’s website or with the help of a NYSERDA-approved contractor.
Info: www.ny.gov/HomeEnergy

Renewable Heat NY

NYSERDA offers incentives for the installation of high-efficiency, low emission wood heating technology for residential, municipal, and commercial buildings. These advanced technology heating systems enable consumers to use local wood pellets and cordwood as fuel in a cleaner way. Residential and small pellet boiler incentives can be accessed via NYSERDA, with the help of a Participating Contractor.
Info: www.ny.gov/RenewableHeat

K-Solar

Provides schools and school districts with no-cost, no obligation tools and resources to bring solar to their facilities. Interested schools and school districts can contact NYPA directly for a free solar assessment report before proceeding to more detailed solar procurement and installation options provided by NYPA-vetted solar vendors.
Info: www.ny.gov/KSolar

Municipal ZEV & ZEV Infrastructure Rebates

Newly created by the 2016-17 State Budget, the Environmental Protection Fund’s (EPF) Climate Smart Communities program will be offering rebates to municipalities for costs of purchase or leasing of clean vehicles, or installation of infrastructure for public fueling or charging clean vehicles. More information about this new initiative will be available on DEC’s website, or contact [email protected].

NYSDOT Smart Planning
The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) works to enrich the state’s communities by investing in transportation improvements that promote sustainable economic growth and contribute to overall quality of life. NYSDOT pursues these objectives through a statewide program that integrates land use and transportation planning.
Consistent with the New York State’s Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Policy Act (SGPIPA), any state or local transportation project that uses federal funding must undergo a smart growth “consistency review” to ensure that 11 Smart Growth factors have been considered in the project.
For more information about NYSDOT activities and programs relating to transportation and land-use in our communities, including planning tools, checklists, and potential sources of funding for municipalities, visit: www.ny.gov/SmartPlanning

Complete Streets
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed the Complete Streets Act on August 15, 2011, requiring state, county, and local agencies to consider the convenience and mobility of all users when developing transportation projects that receive state and federal funding. The goal of Complete Streets is to contribute to a “cleaner, greener transportation system” that enables people to “achieve the health benefits associated with active forms of transportation while traffic congestion and auto related air pollution will be reduced.”
The law prompted an expansion of existing programs and further collaboration with bicyclists, pedestrians, people with disabilities and others to identify best practices and designs for transportation facilities.
For more information about Complete Streets, including best practices and potential sources of state and federal funding, please visit: www.ny.gov/CompleteStreets

Highway Safety Improvement Program
Municipalities across New York State benefit from federal Highway Safety Improvement Program funding to support projects that enhance road mobility and safety. Projects are selected through a periodic competitive process that prioritizes initiatives that have the greatest potential impact to reduce traffic fatalities and severe injuries. The New York State Department of Transportation administers the Highway Safety Improvement Program.
Info: www.ny.gov/HwySafety

Pedestrian Safety Action Plan
The State’s first-ever, comprehensive pedestrian safety plan will provide $110 million for pedestrian safety improvements across upstate New York and Long Island during the next five years. The plan takes a three-pronged approach to improving safety. Through 2020, the program will focus on engineering improvements, public education and awareness campaigns, and increased law enforcement.
The plan calls for communities outside of New York City with the highest number of crashes from 2009 to 2013 to be given extra attention to improve pedestrian safety. A competitive grant solicitation for municipal safety projects will launch in 2017.
For more information, including safety tips and examples of highway improvements that can enhance pedestrian safety, visit: www.ny.gov/PedSafety

PAVE NY
PAVE NY is a new program authorized by the 2015-2020 State Transportation Plan. The program apportions $100 million annually in enhanced state assistance to counties, towns, cities, and villages for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of local highways and roads. Program funds may be used for any eligible program activity, provided the project has a minimum service life of more than ten years. Funds are apportioned on a quarterly basis.
Info: www.ny.gov/PaveNY

BRIDGE NY
BRIDGE NY is a new program authorized by the 2015-2020 State Transportation Plan. The program provides $100 million annually in enhanced State assistance for local governments to rehabilitate and replace bridges and culverts, with particular emphasis on projects that address poor structural conditions; mitigate weight restrictions or detours; facilitate economic development or increase competitiveness; and/or reduce the risk of flooding.
Bridge projects must be on a public roadway and eligible for federal aid. They shall follow the federal aid process. Culvert projects must be on a public highway and shall follow the State-aid process. Eligible applicants include any city, county, town, village or other political subdivision, including tribal governments and public benefit corporations, authorized to receive and administer State and federal transportation funding.The New York State Department of Transportation is accepting applications for the first two years of this new program through September 9, 2016. Info: www.ny.gov/BridgeNY

The Transportation Alternative Program
The federal Transportation Alternative Program provides up to $26 million annually in assistance for on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, infrastructure projects for improving non-driver access to public transportation and enhanced mobility, community improvement activities, environmental mitigation, recreational trail program projects; safe routes to school projects; and projects for planning, designing, or constructing boulevards and other roadways largely in the right-of-way of former interstate system routes or other divided highways.
Eligible applicants include any local government entity authorized to receive and administer state and federal transportation funding. Funds are allocated through a competitive solicitation. The next program solicitation will be conducted in summer 2016.
Info: www.ny.gov/TranspoAP

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program
The federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program supports transportation-related projects that reduce vehicle emissions and/or traffic congestion. The Program provides funding to state and local governments in federally designated areas that do not meet, or previously did not attain, National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Eligible projects include travel demand/rideshare, congestion reduction and traffic flow improvements, transit improvements, freight/intermodal improvements, pedestrian and bicycle facility improvements, and alternative fuel and clean vehicle projects. Projects must demonstrate benefit to air quality. Funds are allocated through a competitive solicitation.
The New York State Department of Transportation will solicit projects in the following 19 counties in late summer of 2016: Albany, Chautauqua, Dutchess, Erie, Genesee, Greene, Jefferson, Livingston, Monroe, Montgomery, Niagara, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, or Wayne.
Projects in the New York City Metropolitan Area are solicited through the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council here: www.ny.gov/CMAQ
Projects in Orange County are managed by the Orange County Metropolitan Council here: www.ny.gov/CMAQOrange

Core Federal Highway Administration Infrastructure Programs
The federal-aid highway program provides funding to improve safety, mobility, and infrastructure while protecting and enhancing communities and natural environment. Eligible activities include highway and bridge replacement and rehabilitation, actions to reduce transportation related emissions, improved connections to major intermodal terminals, bicycle and pedestrian access and safety and safety improvements at railway-highway grade crossings. Eligible applicants include any state or local government entity, including public authorities and Indian tribes, authorized to receive and administer State and federal transportation funding.
Funds are identified through a federally-required planning and programming process. In urbanized areas, projects are selected through Metropolitan Organizations (MPO) and projects in rural areas are identified by the Department of Transportation in consultation with local officials.
Info: www.ny.gov/CoreFedHwy / www.ny.gov/CoreFedHwyGuide

Aviation Capital Grant Program
This program provides up to $10 million annually for capital projects to enhance the state’s airport infrastructure and improve the safety and efficiency of aviation services to increase economic competitiveness. Funds are allocated through a competitive solicitation.
Eligible applicants are owners/sponsors of public-use airports in the state which include: municipal corporations; public authorities (except a bi-state authority); public-benefit corporations; other owners of public use airports; or any combination of these eligible applicants. The next solicitation will be conducted in August 2016.
Info: www.ny.gov/AviationGP

Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program
This program provides up to $27.5 million annually in assistance for rail and port capital investments to preserve and/or improve service in the state’s major trade and passenger corridors, including capacity, clearance, intermodal facilities, yards, and other projects that promote economic development.
Eligible applicants include any railroad company, any New York State agency, the federal government, the Canadian government, any public authority, or any political subdivision or municipality of the State. Funds are allocated through a competitive solicitation. The next solicitation will be conducted in August 2016.
Info: www.ny.gov/PassengerRail

Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Public Transportation Grants Program (Section 5310)
The federal Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Public Transportation Grants Program (Section 5310) is administered directly by the New York State Department of Transportation on behalf of the Federal Transit Administration. The program provides approximately $15 million annually through a competitive solicitation to assist nonprofit groups in meeting the transportation needs of older adults and people with disabilities when transportation is unavailable, insufficient, or inappropriate to meeting these needs.
Public agencies or authorities that coordinate services for seniors and individuals with disabilities, or that can certify that no not-for-profit organizations are readily available to provide service, may also be eligible to receive program funding. Public agencies can also apply for the enhanced funds without coordination or certification. The next program solicitation will be conducted in winter 2017.
Info: www.ny.gov/Mobility

Formula Grants for Other than Urbanized Areas (Section 5311)
This program is administered by the New York State Department of Transportation on behalf of the Federal Transit Administration. The program provides approximately $20 million annually for public transportation projects in rural areas. It supports capital projects; operating costs of equipment and facilities; and the acquisition of public transportation services in areas with populations of less than 50,000. Eligible recipients include rural counties, cities, public transportation authorities, federally recognized Indian tribes, and private intercity bus operators. The next program solicitation will be conducted in 2017.
Info: www.ny.gov/UrbanizedAreas

Statewide Mass Transportation Operating Assistance
The Statewide Mass Transportation Operating Assistance Program provides more than $5 billion annually in formula funding to stabilize and maintain fares and service levels for municipally sponsored public transportation services.
Eligible recipients include public and private transportation services that are open to the public. They can be sponsored by any county, city, Indian reservation, public transportation authority or intercity bus services directly sponsored by the Department of Transportation. Eligible public transportation services must operate on a regular and continuing basis and have predetermined and publicly posted fares, service hours and printed schedules. Funds are apportioned on a quarterly basis.
Info: www.ny.gov/MassTranspo

New York Truck – Voucher Incentive Program (NYT-VIP)
The New York Truck – Voucher Incentive Program (NYT-VIP) aims to accelerate the integration of advanced vehicle technologies in the commercial truck and bus sectors, promoting clean air and sustainability. The program is operated through a partnership between the Department of Transportation, NYSERDA, the New York City Department of Transportation, and CALSTART.
NYT-VIP is a “first come, first served” program comprised of three funds to provide voucher incentives for the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles. These include a program that provides incentives for certain classes of electric trucks in 30 eligible counties, and two programs that provide incentives for certain clean vehicles in the five boroughs of New York City.
Info: www.ny.gov/TruckVIP

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