Town to receive grants for record keeping

Some area governments have received grants from the New York State Archives, according to State Senator George Maziarz (R-C, North Tonawanda). The grants fall into two categories: Documentary Heritage Program grants awarded to community organizations and Local Government Records grants awarded to local governments.

Awards were made to the Town of Gates - $15,411 and $20,528; Town of Hamlin - $9,579; and the Gates Fire District - $2,029.

Both the Documentary Heritage Program grants and the Local Government Records grants involve records. These records can consist of paper ledgers that are hundreds of years old or electronic files generated by the latest generation of office computers and stored on DVDs. Local governments use these grants to improve records management systems to better serve the public. Other grants ensure that the rich and diverse history of New York state is preserved, while still others provide a hands-on history experience for school children.

Both the Documentary Heritage Program grants and the Local Government Records grants derive their funding from the Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund. The Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund was established by the Legislature in 1989 and renewed in 1995 and 1999.

The Fund derives its money from a small portion of the fees paid when people file or record documents with county clerks and the Register of the City of New York. Under terms of the legislation, all of the resources fund the competitive grants, except for a limited amount that is for technical and advisory services and administration of the grants program.

The release of grant money is subject to approval by the Director of the Division of the Budget and allocation of the funds.