Gowanda Seeks Administrator for $655,000 NY Forward Small Project Fund

Gowanda is seeking a consultant or firm to administer a $655,000 NY Forward Small Project Fund, marking a move from planning toward implementation of the village’s downtown revitalization award.

A New York State Contract Reporter notice issued July 24, 2026, identifies the Village of Gowanda as the agency seeking grant-administration services. All required documentation is due by 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 26, according to the notice, which is indexed as CR# 2137464.

What the procurement covers

The request is for administration of the Small Project Fund, not for construction work and not for applications from individual businesses or property owners. The notice does not announce that an administrator has been selected, and it does not establish individual downtown grant awards.

That distinction matters for local businesses and property owners watching Gowanda’s NY Forward program. The procurement is an administrative step. More specific application procedures, eligibility rules, reimbursement requirements and project-level decisions are expected to follow through the village or the administrator selected for the work.

Part of Gowanda’s $4.5 million award

The Small Project Fund is one component of Gowanda’s broader $4.5 million NY Forward award. In a May 2025 announcement, New York State listed five Gowanda projects totaling $4.5 million, including the Small Project Fund.

State project materials describe the fund as supporting building improvements, business equipment and public art within the NY Forward boundary. The broader package also includes projects involving the former Community Bank and Hollywood Theater, the Armes Block, the downtown streetscape, and a wayfinding, connectivity and branding plan.

The $655,000 figure applies to the Small Project Fund. It is part of Gowanda’s overall $4.5 million NY Forward award, not additional funding on top of that award, and it should not be read as money already distributed to downtown businesses or property owners.

What happens next

The immediate deadline is for consultants or firms interested in administering the program. After submissions are reviewed and an administrator is selected, the fund will still need to move through its implementation process.

For residents, downtown businesses and building owners, the next important announcements will likely concern who is selected to administer the fund, which properties and expenses qualify, how applications will be submitted and when individual projects may be considered.

New York’s NY Forward program uses a plan-then-act structure in which communities develop a Strategic Investment Plan before moving toward implementation. Gowanda’s procurement signals that transition, but it is not proof that every proposed project is completed, under construction or accepting grant applications.

Sources

• New York State Contract Reporter procurement notice
• New York State announcement of Gowanda NY Forward projects
• Gowanda NY Forward Strategic Investment Plan