The Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, Inc. (UDSB) offers funding for projects that open vistas, improve signage, promote culture and history, and protect monarch butterflies along the New York State Route 97 corridor from Hancock to Port Jervis, NY.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis for as long as the funding allocated in the non-profit organization’s 2024 budget allows.

Guidelines and application forms for the following competitive grant are available by contacting info@upperdelawarescenicbyway.org.

Vista Enhancement Along the Byway – Owners of private and public properties fronting NYS Route 97 that could improve travelers’ views from the highway to the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River by reducing vegetative overgrowth may request selective trimming work by certified professionals. Any work planned within the NYS Department of Transportation right-of-way must be pre-approved by that agency through the issuance of work permits. No funding match is required.

Signage Along the Byway – Businesses and non-profit organizations may apply for up to $500, with a minimum match of 50%, for newly designed or refurbished signage along NYS Route 97 that helps promote economic activity and attract visitors. Proof of compliance with local zoning codes and approval of any permits must be presented, along with the sign’s location and a rendering or description of its design.

Culture and History Along the Byway – Non-commercial community events, programs, and activities that celebrate or interpret the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway’s cultural and historic resources are eligible to receive funding. Projects must be open to public participation and be completed within six months of the award. There is a $1,500 cap on requests, with an average of $500 generally awarded for a single project. While no match is required, proposals that include a local investment (monetary or in-kind) receive preference.

Promoting Butterflies on the Byway – Help the UDSB campaign of “The Monarch Butterfly: Fostering the Flyway by the Byway” with projects that teach youth about the importance of butterflies and how to support their habitat needs; create or protect habitat through plantings; educate the public about pollinator-friendly gardens; promote the presence of butterflies along the byway through an activity; and other creative ideas. Non-profit groups may apply, with a typical maximum request of $500 for a single project or event. Proposals with a monetary or in-kind match receive preference. 

Completed applications may be returned toinfo@upperdelawarescenicbyway.org or mailed to UDSB, Inc., P.O. Box 127, Narrowsburg, NY 12764 by the third Monday of the month for consideration by the UDSB Committee at their regular 4th Monday public meetings held at 7 p.m. at 211 Bridge St. in Narrowsburg and by Zoom.

Posters promoting these four UDSB grant programs are available for exhibit and distribution.

Participating Upper Delaware Scenic Byway local communities are the Village of Hancock, Town of Delaware, Town of Cochecton, Town of Tusten, Town of Highland, Town of Lumberland, Town of Deerpark, and the City of Port Jervis.