Syracuse, Oneida, Endicott, Norwich awarded DRI funding

The cities of Syracuse, Oneida, Norwich, and the village of Endicott will each use $10 million in state awards as part of the fifth round of New York’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI).

In DRI round five, New York is awarding each of the state’s 10 regional economic-development regions $20 million for a total state commitment of $200 million in funding to help communities boost their post COVID-19 economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods.

Syracuse and Oneida are the Central New York region winners in the DRI fifth round, and Endicott and Norwich are the Southern Tier winners.

Matthew Driscoll, executive director of the New York State Thruway Authority and a former Syracuse mayor, on Dec. 8 announced the Syracuse funding at Syracuse Community Connections at the Southwest Community Center at 401 South Ave. 

“This particular grant award program is really going to help transform the southwest portion of the city by connecting underinvested neighborhoods to participate in the greater economic revitalization efforts that are taking place in the city,” Driscoll said in his remarks at the Southwest Community Center. 

New York State Canal Corp. Director Brian Stratton on Dec. 7 announced Oneida’s grant at Oneida City Hall, along with other officials.

“The City of Oneida has already completed a variety of projects in the historic downtown and we have many more currently in different stages of development,” Oneida Mayor Helen Acker said. “The Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding will jump start additional private sector projects that are ready to implement immediately upon the award of funds.”

Endicott, Norwich reaction

Erik Kulleseid, commissioner of New York Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, on Dec. 8 announced the DRI awards at the Endicott Welcome Center and at Commerce Chenango in Norwich. Both Endicott and Norwich are the Southern Tier winners in the fifth round of DRI, per the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul.

“The Village of Endicott is a community on the rise,” Endicott Mayor Linda Jackson said in a state news release. “The DRI funds will increase our momentum and expand our current investment bringing continued economic growth and transformation to our Village.”

Norwich Mayor-elect Brian Doliver called it “an amazing day for Norwich.” 

“I am grateful not only to Gov. Hochul for her support of our downtown, but to the many dedicated community members who worked hard to put forth this vision. I look forward to working with the entire community to develop projects to help begin a bright new chapter for Norwich.”

Next steps

The communities will now begin the process of developing a strategic investment plan to revitalize its downtown with up to $300,000 in planning funds from the $10 million DRI grant. 

A local planning committee made up of municipal representatives, community leaders, and other stakeholders will lead the effort, supported by a team of private-sector experts and state planners. 

The strategic investment plan will examine local assets and opportunities and identify economic development, transportation, housing, and community projects that align with each community’s vision for downtown revitalization and that are poised for implementation. 

The strategic investment plan will guide the investment of DRI grant funds in revitalization projects that will advance the community’s vision for its downtown and that can leverage and expand upon the state’s $10 million in funding. 

Plans for the DRI’s fifth round will be complete in 2022, the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul said Dec. 8.