State grants available for historic barns

Staatsburg — The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has announced the availability of barn restoration grant applications for the 2005-2006 New York State Barns Restoration and Preservation Program, and $2 million has been earmarked statewide for the competitive, matching funds, initiative. Barn owners can apply for funding for capital repairs to agricultural buildings, including barns, sheds and silos, that are at least 50 years old. Eligible projects include repairs to roofs, foundations, walls, sills, and overall stabilization. Cosmetic projects or projects that relate to converting a barn for non-agricultural use are not eligible. Applications will be evaluated against set criteria and reviewed for award determination by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The program can fund up to 90 percent of the project cost, based on the income of the barn owner, up to a maximum of $50,000. The applicant will be responsible for contributing to the balance of the project cost through cash, in kind services, donations, or labor. Applications are available at the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s Taconic-Palisades Grants Office. For more information or applications, call 889-4100 ext. 350 or visit www.nysparks.com/grants. The application deadline is December 16, 2005.