New York is sending more than $28 million to communities across the state to upgrade parks, preserve historic sites, and expand trail systems.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced the funding Dec. 23 through the 2025 Regional Economic Development Council initiative. The money will support 64 projects statewide focused on recreation, historic preservation, and trails.
“These grants will help advance Governor Hochul’s goals to more New Yorkers to ‘Get Offline, Get Outside’ and take part in healthy recreation,” Executive Deputy Commissioner Tom Alworth said. “Local governments and community organizations will use these grants to protect the environment, expand access to outdoor recreation, celebrate our whole history and promote regional tourism throughout the state.”
How the funding breaks down
Most of the funding comes from the Environmental Protection Fund.
The state awarded $25.4 million from the fund to support 49 projects, including park improvements, heritage area upgrades, and historic preservation work. The maximum EPF award this cycle reached $675,000.
Another $3.3 million came from the Recreational Trails Program. That money will support 15 projects aimed at developing and maintaining motorized and non-motorized trails. The maximum RTP award this year was $300,000.
OPRHP administers both programs in New York.
Who can receive grants
The EPF grant program supports matching grants for acquiring, planning, developing, and improving parks, historic properties, and heritage areas across the state.
Municipalities and not-for-profit organizations can qualify if they hold an ownership interest in the property tied to the project.
The Recreational Trails Program supports trail-related facilities and connects to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration.
How projects were selected
Funding came through the 2025 Regional Economic Development Council initiative.
Regional Councils reviewed projects and scored them based on how well they matched regional goals and strategies. Applicants used the state’s Consolidated Funding Application, which allows organizations to apply for multiple funding sources through one streamlined process.
State officials say the approach reduces bureaucracy and speeds up access to funding for local economic development projects.
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