Governor George E. Pataki today announced a new $2 million initiative to restore and preserve historic barns and related agricultural buildings in New York. The New York State Barns Restoration and Preservation Program will revitalize aging structures that represent the heritage of New York's working farms and improve the landscapes enjoyed by residents and tourists alike.

"Growing up on a family farm gave me a genuine appreciation of the unique beauty and splendor of these agricultural structures," Governor Pataki said. "Some of the best scenery in New York State features historic farm buildings that remind us of our heritage. Restoring and preserving these magnificent agricultural landscapes will ensure they will be appreciated and enjoyed for generations to come."

The New York State Barns Restoration and Preservation Program invites barn owners to apply for funding for a variety of capital repairs for agricultural buildings including barns, sheds and silos that are at least 50 years old. Eligible projects include repairs to roofs, foundations, walls, sills, and overall stabilization.

Senator Nancy Larraine Hoffmann said, "These structures are symbols of cultural lifestyles of earlier generations that tell a unique story of our agricultural history and heritage. This initiative, which I proposed earlier this year, is an excellent investment to ensure that they are properly restored and maintained. This new program, as well as efforts to cut the sales tax on agricultural products, shows the commitment that the Senate Majority and Governor Pataki have for strengthening and promoting New York State's largest industry. It will provide an additional incentive for the restoration and preservation of agricultural structures for the benefit of the public."

Senator Hoffmann worked with Governor Pataki to create and fund the New York Barn Preservation Program in an effort to help preserve the agricultural landscapes that have become a vital part of Heritage Tourism in New York State. The program also furthers the objectives of the New York State Open Space Plan.

This program will be administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), and applications will be accepted through its regional offices.

Applications will be evaluated against set criteria for eligibility and then reviewed by New York State Parks and the State Department of Agriculture and Markets for award determination. Priority will be given to projects that involve structures in or returning to active agricultural use; need emergency repair and stabilization; are visible from public rights-of-way, particularly those that enhance scenic drives, bikeways or agricultural landscapes; preserve important examples of historic agricultural building types; are unique, or are on or eligible for listing on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, and involve structures that are significantly older than 50 years of age.

Cosmetic projects or projects that relate to converting a barn for non-agricultural use will not be eligible. The program will fund as much as 80% of the project cost, up to $25,000, with the applicant contributing the remaining value through cash, in-kind services or labor.

State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro said, "State Parks is proud to be a part of this historic program. We look forward to working with the agricultural community across this State to help them preserve and protect some of their farm buildings. Agriculture is our history and this program will preserve buildings that remind us of our great lineage. Governor Pataki deserves thanks and praise for this tremendous initiative."

State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Nathan Rudgers said, "This program will help maintain the historic beauty that these barns provide all New Yorkers. It will also assist farmers who rely on these structures for their livelihood to make the necessary repairs to keep their barns functional. This will ensure that they can continue to contribute to the viability of agriculture in New York State. Through his efforts on sales tax reduction, as well as his Grow New York initiative, Governor Pataki is once again showing his support for New York's farmers."

Applications will be available after October 15, 2000, at OPRHP regional offices. Applications are due either postmarked or delivered to OPRHP regional offices by December 15, 2000. For more information, please contact State Parks at (518) 486-1868 or visit http://nysparks.com/offices/.

2000 Press Releases