NARROWSBURG, NY — The Upper Delaware Scenic Byway is offering money for projects that open vistas, improve signage, promote culture and history, and protect monarch butterflies from Hancock to Port Jervis, NY.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis for as long as the funding in the byway’s 2024 budget allows. Guidelines and application forms are available by emailing info@upperdelawarescenicbyway.org.

• Vista enhancement. Owners whose properties front Scenic NYS Route 97 may request trim work by certified professionals, if clearing overgrowth can improve travelers’ views. The NYS Department of Transportation must first issue a work permit for any project within its right-of-way. No funding match is required.
• Signage. Businesses and non-profits may apply for up to $500, with a match of at least 50 percent, for new or refurbished signs along Route 97 that promote economic activity and attract visitors. The application must show the sign’s location, a rendering or description of its design, and all permits showing compliance with local zoning codes.
• Culture and history. Non-commercial community events that celebrate or interpret the byway’s cultural and historic resources are eligible for funding. Projects must be open to the public and be completed within six months of the award. There is a $1,500 cap on requests, with $500 awarded for a single project, on average. While no match is required, proposals that include local investment, whether monetary or in-kind, receive preference.
• Promoting butterflies. Money is available for projects that support the byway’s campaign “The Monarch Butterfly, Fostering the Flyway by the Byway.” Eligible projects include those that teach youth about the importance of butterflies and how to support their habitats, create or protect habitat through plantings, and educate the public about pollinator-friendly gardens, among other creative ideas. Non-profit groups may apply; requests of $500 for a single project or event are typical. Proposals with a monetary or in-kind match receive preference. 

Completed applications may be returned to info@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 its regular fourth-Monday public meetings, which are held at 7 p.m. at 211 Bridge Street in Narrowsburg and by Zoom.

Participating byway communities include 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.