As used in this title the following terms shall mean and include:

1. "Municipal park project" means a project undertaken by a municipality or a not-for-profit corporation for the planning, structural assessment, acquisition, development or improvement of recreational facilities including construction of structures, roads and parking facilities.

2. "Historic preservation project" means a project undertaken by a municipality or a not-for-profit corporation to acquire, improve, restore or rehabilitate property listed on the state or national registers of historic places to protect the historic, cultural or architectural significance thereof or a project for planning or structural assessments for such properties. "Historic preservation project" shall also mean a project undertaken by the office to improve, restore or rehabilitate state historic properties listed on the state or national registers of historic places to protect the historical, cultural or architectural significance thereof or a project for planning relating to or structural assessments of such properties.

3. "Heritage area project" means a project undertaken by or through a municipality, public benefit corporation or a not-for-profit corporation for the planning, structural assessment, acquisition and development of sites and facilities identified in a management plan prepared and/or approved by the commissioner in accordance with the provisions of section 35.05 of the parks, recreation and historic preservation law.

4. "Costs" means the cost of an approved project, which shall include engineering and architectural services, plans and specifications, consultant and legal services, and other direct expenses incident to such project.