Applications are now open for grants to promote tourism and recreation along the state’s canals.
Offered by The NYS Canal Corporation and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, local governments, Native American tribes, and nonprofits can now apply for the 2024 NYS Canal System Tourism Infrastructure and Events Grants. There are two categories of grants: Event Support, with awards ranging from $500 – $3,00, and Tourism Infrastructure and Amenity Support, with a range of $5,000-$24,000. Applicants may apply for one or both categories.
New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “Each year, as more visitors come to New York’s canalside communities for outdoor recreational activities, the Canal Corporation looks for ways to enhance and improve their experiences. The Tourism Infrastructure and Events Grant program allows us to do just that. Working with the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, we are financing bright ideas from municipalities and stakeholders throughout the Canal corridor. We look forward to bolstering local economies by supporting this new round of upgrades and improvements.”
Applications are due by February 23. A virtual information session will be held on Thursday, January 25, at 10:00a.
More information and an online application can be found at eriecanalway.org.
“We are pleased to offer another year of tourism investment in the Canalway Corridor. Supporting communities in their efforts to improve recreational amenities and infrastructure and host events is a key component to a thriving and vibrant waterway,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
37 municipalities and nonprofits received $190,000 in funding through the grants last year. According to the NYS Canal Corporation and Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, the grants supported 34 events, which drew 86,500 people to the state’s canals, as well as seven infrastructure and amenity improvements.
