Federal community and economic development grants of up to $250,000 per project are available for local governments and not-for-profit organizations through the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC).

The NBRC is a regional economic development partnership among federal, state and local governments. New York is expected to receive $1.1 million through the program this year.

Applications are being accepted now from organizations and municipalities in some counties in the North Country and in the Central New York, Finger Lakes, and Mohawk Valley regions.

Municipalities and not-for-profit organizations in St. Lawrence and other counties may apply for federal funding of up to $250,000 per project. The state Department of State will accept, review and submit applications for federal assistance to the NBRC.

Eligible projects must meet one of the following criteria: develop transportation, water, sewer, and telecommunications infrastructure in the region; assist residents in the region with acquiring job skills and employment-related education, or training with respect to entrepreneurship, technology and business development; provide basic health care and other public services for areas that are severely economically distressed; promote resource conservation, tourism, recreation and preservation of open spaces in manners consistent with economic development goals; or promote the development of renewable and alternative energy sources in the region.

This year’s allocation for the NBRC is $4.5 million, to be split among New York, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.

Application forms for NBRC grants, including information about the Northern Border Region and Local Development Districts, are available at www.dos.ny.gov/funding.

Submissions must be postmarked by June 30 and mailed AND emailed to New York Department of State, Attention Kyle Wilber, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231.

More info: (518) 473-3355, nbrc@dos.ny.gov.