NARROWSBURG – The Upper Delaware Council (UDC) announces the opening of its 2027 Technical Assistance Grants (TAG) program. Applications from the UDC’s member municipalities will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 21.

Since its 1988 inception, the UDC has cumulatively awarded $968,463.50 to its member towns, townships, and the five river valley counties to fund 270 municipal projects that further the goals and objectives of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River Management Plan.

A special meeting of the UDC’s Project Review Committee will take place on Tuesday, September 8, at 6:30 p.m. at the Council’s office at 211 Bridge St. in Narrowsburg to meet with a representative for each applicant and ask questions about their proposals.

Approval of grant awards is expected at the Thursday, October 1, monthly UDC meeting to be held at 6:30 p.m. at the UDC office.

The UDC will issue TAG contracts following review of its recommended grants by the National Park Service Northeast Region Contracting Office for the proposed use of federal funds, at which time work can commence.

Mid-term Progress Reports by successful grantees will be due by April 16, 2027.

The deadline for municipalities to complete their projects and submit documentation for reimbursement upon the UDC’s determination of contract satisfaction is October 22, 2027.

Eligible to compete in the TAG program are the UDC’s eight New York town members (Hancock, Fremont, Delaware, Cochecton, Tusten, Highland, Lumberland, and Deerpark), five Pennsylvania township members (Damascus, Berlin, Lackawaxen, Shohola, and Westfall), and their encompassing counties (Delaware, Sullivan, Orange, Wayne and Pike). Buckingham and Manchester Townships in Wayne County, PA could also apply if they joined the Council.

Priority will be given to applications that involve the preparation or revision of relevant laws, plans, and ordinances to substantially conform with the Upper Delaware enabling legislation, the RMP, and the Land and Water Use Guidelines.

Projects that support land use planning, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) planning, zoning ordinances and revisions, codification of local laws, and updates of comprehensive and master plans are emphasized for solicitation.

Grants may also be used to develop local zoning to protect cultural/historical resources and for planning projects related to land use, building, and site design plans for the protection of historic resources in the river valley, as well as for eligible education-oriented projects.

To view and download grant program guidelines, forms, contract criteria, and a directory of past funded projects, visit the grants tab at www.upperdelawarecouncil.org.

Please call Executive Director Laurie Ramie at 845-252-3022 or email info@upperdelawarecouncil.org to request more information.