In June, Gov. Kathy Hochul visited Rochester to highlight the $300 million earmarked in the state budget for Rochester and Monroe County. Now the state is accepting applications for projects to receive $225 million in those funds.
While $75 million is set aside for the future High Falls State Park, the remaining balance of the Rochester-Monroe Transformation Initiative has yet to be allocated. Project proposals can be submitted now through the Consolidated Funding Application Process.
The minimum project cost is $5 million. The minimum award is $2 million.
“My administration is committed to driving economic growth that lifts up every corner of New York State,” Hochul said in a statement. “We have already invested more than $500 million in projects
throughout Monroe County, and this new initiative will build on that progress, keep the momentum going in Rochester and strengthen communities across Upstate.”
The eligible projects must be located in the county, with priority to those in Rochester, have a minimum total project cost of $5 million, non-state funding sources, have control of the site or an agreement with the current owner and involve only capital expenses like long-term equipment, renovations or permanent construction. No supplies, salaries, operating costs or administrative costs are eligible for grant funding.
Projects will be selected based on several factors, with emphasis on transformational impact, including a clear economic benefit; leveraging additional investment and demonstrating long-term operation and financial viability.
Example projects include strategic placemaking, adaptive reuse, innovation infrastructure and public safety.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: $225M in Monroe transformation funds now open for applications
