Fifty Million Dollar Grant Program to Now Enhance New York’s Tourism, Housing and Infrastructure

Published on December 3, 2025

In a major step to foster the development of local economies, New York State has announced the availability of $50 million in competitive grants under Round Two of the County Infrastructure Grant Program. This will help counties unlock funding for small and medium-sized infrastructure projects that will aid in housing development, enhance public spaces, and improve tourist attractions. This grant round delivers incredible opportunities for counties to accelerate redevelopment across key infrastructure and stimulate growth in regional economies.

New Opportunities for Infrastructure and Housing Development

The County Infrastructure Grant Program aims to address long-standing challenges related to infrastructure upgrades that have been stalled due to insufficient funding. Counties across New York are encouraged to apply for grants that will help fund essential projects, ranging from modern water systems and upgraded roads to revitalized downtown streetscapes. These upgrades are crucial for fostering new housing, attracting residents, and improving local economic conditions, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

The program is offering two levels of funding based on the scale of the proposed project. Counties can apply for up to $1 million for projects that include the creation of 10 or more new housing units. Smaller-scale projects that focus on infrastructure improvements, public spaces, or tourism attractions—without the inclusion of new housing—can receive up to $500,000 in funding. This flexibility ensures that both larger and smaller projects can benefit from the program.

Driving Housing Growth and Economic Revitalization

With the current housing shortage in many parts of New York, particularly in suburban and rural areas, this funding will play a critical role in addressing the state’s housing crisis. By providing grants for projects that create new housing units, the program directly supports efforts to increase the availability of affordable housing options for residents.

The first round of funding, announced earlier this year, resulted in 49 projects across the state receiving more than $37 million in grants. These projects led to the construction of over 2,750 new homes, contributing to the state’s broader goal of addressing housing shortages while simultaneously boosting local economies.

As counties undertake these infrastructure projects, they will also create jobs, stimulate economic activity, and improve the overall quality of life for residents. Projects that focus on downtown revitalization or the improvement of public spaces can help to attract new businesses, increase foot traffic, and enhance the local community’s appeal to both residents and visitors.

Enhancing Tourism and Public Spaces for Economic Growth

In addition to supporting housing development, the new round of grants also aims to enhance tourism opportunities across New York State. Infrastructure improvements that promote tourism—such as better access to tourist attractions, revitalized downtown areas, or enhanced public spaces—can have a significant impact on attracting visitors and boosting local economies.

Tourism has long been a critical driver of economic growth in New York, and improving the infrastructure that supports tourism is essential for attracting both domestic and international visitors. The funding can be used to enhance cultural sites, improve accessibility to major attractions, or upgrade amenities that make the state more appealing to tourists. Revitalized public spaces such as parks, plazas, and waterfronts can become key destinations for both residents and visitors, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Fostering Job Creation and Regional Development

Empire State Development (ESD) President and CEO Hope Knight emphasized that this new round of funding represents a “targeted investment” that will help cultivate new jobs, attract new residents, and welcome visitors. The projects funded by these grants will create immediate job opportunities during construction and long-term employment in areas like hospitality, retail, and public services.

As counties leverage this funding to improve infrastructure and enhance their communities, they are also investing in their future. By making their regions more attractive places to live, work, and visit, they can build a foundation for sustained economic growth. For the tourism sector, this means new attractions, improved facilities, and better access to the state’s diverse cultural and natural destinations.

How to Apply: Letter of Intent and Informational Webinar

Counties interested in securing funding are encouraged to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) before completing their full application. The LOI serves as an initial step in the application process, allowing counties to outline their proposed projects and receive guidance from Empire State Development on the next steps. To help guide potential applicants through the process, ESD will host an informational webinar on December 18, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. The webinar will provide further details on eligibility, application requirements, and how to maximize the impact of the grants.

The application deadline for the County Infrastructure Grant Program is April 1, 2026. This gives counties several months to prepare their applications and ensure their proposed projects align with the program’s objectives.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening New York’s Future

It means that for travelers, upgraded infrastructure will translate into more accessible, enjoyable, and varied experiences across New York State. Stronger infrastructure for tourism will afford greater access to cultural, scenic, and historic attractions, enhancing the visitor experience. Locally, stronger public spaces, transportation, and housing will improve the prospect of attracting more tourists and, in so doing, give rise to long-term growth and improved sustainability of the tourism economy.