CATSKILL - State Sen. James Seward has announced $90,000 worth of grants to various Greene County organizations to enhance the local quality of life and benefit tourism.

Seward, R-Milford, announced the six grants on Friday at the Thomas Cole Historic Site.

Of the $90,000, Seward said:

* $20,000 will be given to the Thomas Cole Historic Site for its exhibits and to create an introductory film to the Hudson River School of Art.

* $10,000 will go to the Heart of Catskill Association to promote its Second Saturday Strolls in the village.

* $10,000 will be given to the Athens Cultural Arts Center to help renovate its building.

* $10,000 will go to the Greene County Historical Society to repair the southern wall of the historic 1864 Bronck stone house.

* $20,000 will be given to the Greene County Council on the Arts to renovate its historic building.

* $20,000 will be administered through the county Council on the Arts to create a two-part television history of Greene County.

"Even in a difficult budget year, it was important to deliver funding back to the community for important local services and programs that enhance the quality of life and offer economic benefits in tourism," Seward said.

He said the grant money was included in the state's newly approved 2008-09 budget.