Tourism office urges Legislature to designate agency for $15,000 America250 regrant by Oct. 15

Cayuga County’s tourism director asked the Legislature to consider designating the tourism office as the county’s agent to manage a one‑time $15,000 America250 allocation from New York State.

The tourism director said the funds are part of a state program administered through the Department of Education and Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites tied to America250 programming. Counties must designate a nonprofit by Oct. 15 to receive and regrant the funds; the tourism office said it is prepared to operate a regranting program and has experience administering small grants for local programming.

Staff said the funding requires a modest memorandum of understanding and a short plan consistent with six eligible thematic categories defined by the state 250 commission; the money would be distributed as a lump sum and is not a reimbursement program. The tourism director suggested the office is well positioned to handle a regrant and has consulted local partners including the county historian, the City of Auburn’s historic and cultural sites commission, and the National Park Service.

Ending: The tourism director asked the Legislature to act before the Oct. 15 designation deadline so local organizations can apply for grants under the America250 themes; staff offered more details on request.