NYS Canal System Tourism Infrastructure and Events grant application now open

The New York State Canal Corporation, through the Reimagine the Canals initiative, and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor are offering competitive grant funding to support tourism and recreation along the New York State Canal System including canal waterways and Canalway Trail.

The 2023 program will support tourism infrastructure and amenity improvements, and events. Applications are open now through Feb. 24.

Funding is open to counties, municipalities, units of local government, not-for-profit organizations and federally recognized Native American tribes.

“New York’s Canals and their surrounding communities have become destinations for local residents and tourists seeking unique recreational activities and provide opportunities to explore all of what our state has to offer, and it is essential to provide support to ensure continued growth and improvements,” New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said in a press release. “Through this grant program, we are excited to renew our commitment to preserve and expand all that our shared waterways and trails offer and look forward to seeing visitors enjoying the flourishing Canal System as we continue to build on its role as a cornerstone of the New York experience.”

The grant program includes two funding categories: Event Support, with an award range of $500 to $3,000, and Tourism Infrastructure and Amenity Support, with an award range of $5,000 to $24,000. Applicants may apply for one or both categories.

“Investing in recreational amenities and heritage-based events is essential to the Corridor’s health, both in terms of improving residents’ quality of life and by facilitating the economic impacts of tourism. We are pleased to collaborate with the NYS Canal Corporation on this

initiative and align our revitalization strategies,” said Bob Radliff, executive director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, in the release.

In 2022, a total of 38 nonprofit organizations and municipalities received New York State Canal System Tourism Infrastructure and Event Grants totaling $259,300. The grants supported 11 tourism infrastructure and amenity improvements and 27 events.

Interested applicants are invited to attend a virtual informational Q&A session at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26.

Further details, Q&A registration and online applications are available online at www.eriecanalway.org/resources/grants/.

FILE PHOTO Lock 2Park is one of many sites in Waterford where visitors can learn about the history of New York state’s canal system.