The County Infrastructure Grant Program is administered by Empire State Development (ESD), the chief economic development agency of New York State. The program was established with a $50 million allocation in the FY2025 state budget and received an additional $50 million in FY2026, bringing the total available funding to $100 million. It aims to support county-led infrastructure efforts across New York, with enhanced funding for projects that directly support housing development.
This initiative is tailored to assist smaller-scale infrastructure projects that often lack independent funding sources yet are considered high-priority capital initiatives by local counties. Eligible projects must support economic development, contribute to placemaking, or encourage tourism and visitation. Examples include improvements to public property or utilities, road and utility extensions, beautification efforts, and acquisition or demolition activities. Importantly, projects that facilitate the creation of at least ten new housing units qualify for higher funding thresholds.
To be eligible, applicants must be counties located within New York State, excluding the five boroughs of New York City: Kings, Queens, Richmond, Bronx, and New York counties. A minimum 50% non-ESD funding match is required for all applications. Additionally, a $250 non-refundable application fee must be submitted, and a 1% commitment fee based on the grant amount will apply for successful awardees.
Applications must be submitted by the county’s chief elected official and include documentation such as a project proposal, municipal support letters, budget details, third-party cost estimates, and matching fund commitments. The application process begins with a mandatory Letter of Intent submitted via email, after which applicants must wait four weeks before submitting a final application. Applications are processed through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) portal and are reviewed in rounds until funds are fully allocated.
Evaluation criteria include alignment with regional development goals, demonstrated local support, leveraged funding, and project readiness. Projects must be capable of commencing within one year of award. Funds will be disbursed after construction is complete and necessary approvals, such as a Certificate of Occupancy, are in place.
The next application deadline is April 1, 2026. Given the program’s recurring structure and round-based award system, future rounds are anticipated, subject to the availability of unspent funds. Interested counties should engage early by submitting a Letter of Intent and preparing documentation according to the published program guidelines.
Projects must be ready to commence within one year; ensure documentation is complete and matching funds are committed; ESD may reject incomplete submissions.
