Barn grants will help preserve
agricultural landscapes in Orleans County

Assembly Republican Leader Charles H. Nesbitt and Governor George Pataki announced the award of $64,600 in New York State Barns Restoration and Preservation Program grants for the rehabilitation of three historic barns in Orleans County.

"These historic barns play a vital role in New York's agricultural heritage and are worthy of preservation," Leader Nesbitt (R,C,I - Albion) said. "I applaud Governor Pataki's continued dedication to preserving Upstate New York's rural beauty."

The grant awards include: $18,000 in funding for the Toussaint-Culvert Barn, Culvert Road, Medina; $21,600 in funding for the Allen Barn, Ridge Road, Medina; and $25,000 in funding for the Balcom Farms Main Barn, Fancher Road, Fancher.

The State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation administers the New York State Barns Restoration and Preservation Program. Grants are available for a variety of capital repairs for agricultural buildings barns, sheds and silos that are at least 50 years old. Eligible projects include repairs to roofs, foundations, walls, sills and overall stabilization.

The Orleans County historic barn grants are part of $2.2 million in funding awarded for the preservation of 114 barns throughout New York. Since its inception in 2000, the New York State Barns Restoration and Preservation Program has provided more than $6 million to improve nearly 350 historic barns and properties.