New York counties have a new opportunity to secure funding for small and mid-sized infrastructure projects that support housing growth, public spaces, and tourism. A second round of the County Infrastructure Grant Program has launched, offering another $50 million in competitive grants.
Applications are now open and due by April 1, 2026. Counties can receive up to $1 million for projects that create 10 or more new housing units, or up to $500,000 for smaller projects or those without a housing component.
The program is designed to help counties kickstart long-needed infrastructure upgrades — from modern water systems to revitalized downtown streetscapes — that have stalled due to lack of funding. In many cases, these projects are key to enabling new housing, attracting residents, and supporting local economic growth.
In the first round of funding announced earlier this year, 49 projects were awarded more than $37 million, supporting the construction of over 2,750 new homes across the state.
Empire State Development President and CEO Hope Knight called the new round of funding “a targeted investment” that will help “cultivate new jobs, attract new residents, and welcome visitors.”
Counties are encouraged to submit a Letter of Intent before completing their full application. Empire State Development will host an informational webinar on December 18 at 11:30 a.m. to guide potential applicants through the process.
More information — including application links — is available on the County Infrastructure Grant Program page on esd.ny.gov.
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