This is the fourth round of the Catskill Fund for the Future (CFF) Grant Program, which has thus far distributed more than $1.3 million for 87 projects to revitalize hamlets and Main Streets, develop cultural programs and non-profit projects, and enhance natural resource-based industry in the region. Another $593,000 has been awarded in seven grants to create and/or retain jobs at institutions and commercial establishments.

Each county in the New York City Watershed West of the Hudson River (Delaware, Greene, Schoharie, Sullivan and Ulster) has allocated its population-based portion of the total 2004 CFF grant fund toward one or more of these four programs. Not all programs will be available in all counties, however.

Applications for the Job Creation and Retention Grant Program are taken continuously throughout the year. Those for the other grant programs must be submitted by April 1, 2004. Anticipated award date is July 1, 2004.

Grant applications and guidelines may be printed from the CWC website, www.cwconline.org (click on the appropriate announcement on the news bar at the top of the home page). Or, call toll-free, 877-WAT-SHED; or 845-586-1400, Ext. 22 (Phil Sireci) to arrange for an application to be mailed to you.

Job Creation and Retention Grant Program. Grants of up to $2,000 for each job created or retained over three years will be available as part of a financial package for manufacturing, commercial, natural resource or service businesses. A target number of ten jobs must be created or retained. (Available only in Delaware and Schoharie Counties.)

Village/Hamlet/Main Street Grant Program. Municipalities, business or Main Street associations, or not-for-profit organizations may apply for up to 50 percent of the cost of infrastructure and façade improvements, streetscape plans, signage, and historic preservation efforts to improve the economic viability of existing commercial areas in the watershed. One funding round annually. (Available only in Greene, Schoharie and Sullivan Counties.)

Cultural/Not-for-Profit Grant Program. Municipalities, tourism, arts or cultural organizations, or not-for-profit entities providing services in the watershed may apply for up to 50 percent of the cost of capital improvements, service delivery, or program development. (Available in all counties except Delaware.)

Natural Resource-Based Industry Grant Program. Businesses or not-for-profit entities including forestry or agricultural associations, crafts groups and cooperatives whose mission is the development of value-added enterprises in the watershed may apply for up to 50 percent of the cost of job creation feasibility studies, business plan development, or the establishment of marketing and distribution systems. (Available only in Delaware County.)

Review committees have been established to evaluate grant proposals. Committee recommendations will come before the full CWC Board of Directors for approval.

In addition to the grant programs, the CWC offers three low-interest loan programs under the Catskill Fund for the Future: the REDI Loan Program, Micro-Loan Program and the Commercial Septic and WOH Mandates Loan Program for the repair or replacement of non-residential septic systems, or for other environmentally-related projects required solely due to their location within the West-of-Hudson Watershed.

For more information on these and other CWC programs, consult the Corporation's web site, www.cwconline.org.