Jefferson County opens third round of infrastructure grant competition

Jefferson County will begin accepting municipal infrastructure proposals Nov. 5, 2026, for the third round of New York State’s County Infrastructure Grant Program. The county can advance one project to Empire State Development, where funding decisions will be competitive and subject to state approval.

The program can provide up to $1 million for eligible infrastructure projects. Projects that directly create at least 10 new housing units may qualify for awards of up to $1.5 million. Applicants must provide at least a 50% match from sources other than Empire State Development.

Eligible work includes water and wastewater improvements, streetscape projects, infrastructure supporting new housing or business development, and other public investments intended to support economic growth. Municipalities must submit proposals to Jefferson County for review.

The state application deadline for the third round is Feb. 5, 2027. A Letter of Intent must be filed with Empire State Development before a full application. Each county may submit only one application and receive one grant during the round.

The program began with $50 million in the state’s fiscal 2025 budget and focuses on housing, placemaking and tourism. In the second round, the Village of Clayton received $1 million for utility extensions supporting up to 20 workforce housing units. Statewide, awards from the first two rounds totaled more than $74 million for nearly 100 projects, according to the governor’s office.

Municipal officials can review the Jefferson County grant programs page and the county’s procurement portal for program information and the request for proposals. The Jefferson County Planning and Community Development Department can be reached at 315-785-3144 or planning@jeffersoncountyny.gov. The County Administrator’s Office can be reached at 315-785-3075. More information about the state program is available from Empire State Development and the Governor’s Office.