North Country municipalities receive $9 million in NY Forward funding

Three North County communities will share $9 million as regional winners of the first round of NY Forward, the state’s “plan-then-act” program to support its Downtown Revitalization Initiative.

“We are thrilled to see these funds go towards Cape Vincent, Lyons Falls, and Waddington, and look forward to getting projects underway that will strengthen their downtowns,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a press release announcing the awards.

Cape Vincent will receive $4.5 million to create safer streets and enhanced gateways to the community, improve an international port of entry, develop mixed-use and multistory buildings, and improve connectivity to the waterfront.

“We have been investing so much in our community not only with money but hard work to make our community special for not only our residents but for all that visit us throughout the year,” Mayor Jerry Golden noted.

Lyons Falls will receive $2.25 million to increase recreational tourism opportunities focused on the Moose and Black rivers to spur economic development and celebrate the area’s rich history and beauty. “… We are excited to use these funds to move our economic-development plan forward,” Mayor Donna Dolhof said.

Waddington will also receive $2.25 million to enhance streetscapes and wayfinding, redevelop historical mixed-use buildings, and connect its downtown to the waterfront. “The NY Forward award will be a game changer for Waddington and build on the incredible work that local residents and business owners have done for years,” Mayor Mike Zagrobelny said.

Each NY Forward community will develop a strategic investment plan to revitalize its downtown through a slate of readily implemental projects. The Department of State provides enhanced technical assistance to support smaller communities and fund projects appropriately scaled to the size of each community.

Projects can include building renovation and redevelopment, new construction or creation of new or improved public spaces, and other projects that elevate specific cultural or historical qualities of the community.

The North Country Regional Economic Development Council conducted a competitive review process of submitted proposals. Criteria such as having a compact and well-defined downtown, the ability to capitalize on prior or catalyze future private and public investment, recent or impending job growth, and robust community involvement in the process were considered before recommending nominees.

The three communities will create local planning committees made up of municipal representatives, community leaders, and other stakeholders to help develop their strategic investment plans. The plan will examine local assets and opportunities to identify plans that align with each community’s vision, selecting for funding the projects that have the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and generate new opportunities for long-term growth.