Public Improvement Projects:
- Streetscape and transportation improvements, recreational trails, wayfinding signage, new and upgraded parks, public art, etc.

Small Project Fund:
- Range of smaller downtown improvement projects, including façade improvement, building renovation improvements, or public art. Funds are capped at $600,000 for DRI communities.

New Development and/or Rehabilitation of Existing Downtown Buildings:
- Mixed- use, commercial, residential, not-for-profit, or public uses.
- Should have visible and functional impact on downtown (provide employment opportunities, housing choice, and/or services to the community).

Branding and Marketing:
- Creation of downtown branding and marketing projects that target residents, investors, developers, tourists, and/or other visitors.
- Costs associated with this category should be one-time expenses (e.g., creating marketing materials).
- Ongoing costs, such as funding a downtown manager or maintaining a website, are not eligible.

Planning Activities:
DRI funds must be used for projects that directly implement the DRI Strategic Investment Plan, which will be published at the end of the DRI planning process. Utilizing DRI funds for additional planning is not the goal of the program.

Operation and Maintenance:
DRI funds cannot be used for on-going or routine expenses, such as staff salaries and wages, rent, utilities, and property upkeep.

Pre-Award Costs:
Reimbursement for costs incurred before the DRI plan is complete and / or before funding awards are announced is not permitted.

Property Acquisition:
A DRI project profile may include the cost of acquisition in the budget of a larger development, but it must also show that the acquisition itself will be, or has already been, covered by another funding source.

Training and Other Program Expenses:
DRI is a one-time infusion of funds, and cannot be used to cover continuous costs, such as training programs, that would cease to exist once the DRI funds have been expended.

Expenses Related to Existing Programs:
DRI is not intended to supplement existing programs or replace existing resources

Who is eligible to receive funding for a project in a DRI?

There are no restrictions on the types of entities that may receive DRI funding to undertake projects in the final DRI plan. Selected projects will enter into contracts with a relevant state agency.

How are grant awards determined? Are there pre-determined project grant amounts?

Grant awards will be determined on a project-by-project basis. Applicants should clearly indicate project funding sources, including the potential project gap that would need to be filled by DRI funding.

Will the funds be provided on a reimbursement basis or upfront?

Funds will be administered through the appropriate state agency. While there may be some variation between agency administration and the project type, awarded project funding will only be provided on a reimbursement basis.

May funds be used as match for NYS or federal grant funding?

The DRI funds may be used as match for other grant funding if permitted by the granting authority. However, the priority is to fund projects that are ready for implementation. Therefore, DRI funds should not be held as matching funds for other grants whose award or implementation cycles are in the out-years.

How and when will funds be disbursed and by what agency/agencies?

Projects selected for DRI funding will be assigned to the appropriate state agency or authority to manage implementation of the project. The state agency or authority selected, and method of funding disbursement will be dependent on the specific project.

TBA