NYS Construction Grant Program - 2017 RonKirsop
http://pls-net.org/constructiongrant
State Aid for Public Library Construction $24 million program bonded through Dormitory Authority of New York State (DASNY) Administered by the NYS Division of Library Development (DLD) through the 23 public library systems PLS allotment: TBD (given the recent increase) Minimum grant award: $2,500 (total project cost must be at least $5,000)
Grant Program Period July 1, 2017 June 30, 2020 Only expenditures made after July 1, 2017 are eligible for reimbursement under this program. Expenditures made between January 1 - June 30, 2017, may count as part of the total project cost and serve as matching funds. No expenditures made prior to January 1, 2017 may be included.
Eligible Costs Site Acquisition Purchase of vacant land or an existing building to be used for library purposes. New Construction New Library Building Addition to existing library building Demolition and Site Preparation
Eligible Costs...continued Renovation / Rehabilitation Energy efficiency Replacement of roofs, windows, and doors Reconstruction of existing space Accessible entryways (ramps & doorways) and bathrooms Installation of elevators New electrical, plumbing, lighting, and HVAC New driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots New furniture, equipment, and shelving for new or newly reconfigured space
Eligible Costs...continued Emergency Generators Outdoor Signage Supervision/management of the construction, renovation, or rehabilitation Bring fiber (broadband) to the building
Not Eligible Routine Maintenance Architectural and Engineering firm fees* Building Consultant Studies Interest or Carrying Charges on bonds financing the project Mortgage payments Purchase of books or other library materials Landscaping
State Funding Priorities Increased effectiveness of library service due to increased and/or improved building space and capacity. More efficient utilization of the building such areas as energy conservation and increased staff efficiency. Improved access to and use of building services by all library users, including those with physical disabilities. Provision of library services to geographically isolated or economically disadvantaged communities.
Matching Funds Available All PLS libraries can receive up to a 75% match for their construction projects for being an economically disadvantaged community
Economically Disadvantaged Community (1) the unemployment rate of the county is above the NYS average, (2) the median household income of the county is below the NYS average, (3) the percent of people below the poverty level residing in the county is above the NYS average, (4) the percent of high school graduates in the county is below the NYS average, (5) the percent of people with a bachelor degree or higher education in the county is below the NYS average.
Matching Funds Reality Check 1) Regardless of the recommended award amount (which is likely to be less than 75% of your total project cost) you will need to match the remainder of the project cost. 2) If successful, you will be given the opportunity to decide whether or not to proceed once you learn the recommended award amount.
Timeline May 24, 2017: Intent to Apply Form due to PLS June 5, 2017: Facilities committee meeting to approve Intent to Apply Forms for full application June 19, 2017: Libraries will be notified to begin work on their full Construction Grant Application July (TBD): Online Application Available August 31, 2017: Full Construction Grant Application due to PLS September 13, 2017: PLS Board Meeting, Construction Grant Committee to recommend project approval September 14, 2017: Libraries will receive approved recommendation notification from the PLS board October 3, 2017: Approximate deadline for final construction grant application due to DLD July-August 2018: Libraries will be notified that their applications have been approved by DLD and DASNY September-October 2018: Libraries will receive the first initial payment of Construction Grant Funds.
Don t Procrastinate: Project Bid / Quote Figures (you may not use architect's estimates) Is your building more than 50 years old? State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) approval: They have 30 days to respond to you. NYSERDA Energy Assessment Register for NYS Directory Service Account Don t have a NYS Vendor ID? Get one. Before photos
Contact Me! Ron Kirsop rkirsop@pls-net.org 585-394-8260 x103 http://pls-net.org/constructiongrant