Construction Aid
Construction Aid is available for chartered member libraries of the Southern Tier Library System.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
New York State has approved capital funds for public library construction. The STLS Board of Trustees – Construction Aid Review Committee is now accepting applications. It is important to note this year’s committee considerations…
- Improved Accessibility
- Improved Energy Efficiencies
- Phased Building Additions/Expansion or New Building
- Serving Underserved
- *Projects that can be completed with 50% NYS matching funds.
While all STLS member libraries qualify for a 75% funding match, libraries should anticipate covering more of the match if necessary. This allows our library system to maximize NYS’ investment in local library buildings.
A project minimum of $5,000 is required. Decide the amount requested carefully – the library can’t appeal for more funds and is also required to completely expend the funds as described in the application.
Routine maintenance is not an eligible expense, including replacement of carpeting, roof repair, repainting, refinishing, etc. New books or other library materials are also ineligible expenses for this program.
In order to apply for Construction Aid in 2023, please submit the following to the STLS Construction Aid Review Committee through STLS Delivery by June 16, 2023:
• This form (Notification of Intent to Apply)
• Facility Plan (can be of your own making or use the attached Library Facility Plan template)
• Contractor bid/quote
• State Historic Preservation Office approval if your library is more than 50 years old
> Requests for approval must be made through the CRIS online portal: https://cris.parks.ny.gov
> Use CRIS as a GUEST if you don’t have a current account
> Select Submit from the top bar menu (unless you have a number with SHPO)
> Choose Consultation Project from the list of wizards on the Submit page
Receipt of this mandatory letter can take weeks or months – don’t delay!
STLS timeline for 2023/2024 NYS Public Library Construction Aid applications:
Friday, June 16, 2023: Deadline to submit Intent to Apply packet to STLS Construction Aid Review Committee (Send packets via STLS Delivery addressed to Construction Aid Review Committee). Print packet materials single-sided, and paper clip together. Do not staple your documents.
June 28, 2023: Committee meets with member libraries in-person or via Go-To-Meeting to hear proposed projects.
Week of July 3, 2023: Member libraries are notified of Review Committee’s decision.
July 3 – August 25, 2023: Libraries work on applications following committee approval.
Friday, August 25, 2023: Applications must be completed online through STLS support.
Sept. 2023 – Feb. 2024: The State Library may ask libraries to revise applications based on state-level review.
October – December 2024: New York State announces successful applicants and issues funds to libraries.
July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2026: This is the window for when construction can begin, and when it must be completed.
For more information contact Brian Hildreth, communitylibrarypartner@stls.org.
FORMS NEEDED
STLS Program Information and Notification of Intent to Apply Form
STLS Construction Aid Guidelines and Priorities
STLS Facility Plan Form for Construction Aid
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