Syracuse, Oneida each awarded $10M in the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — New York State has awarded the City of Syracuse and the City of Oneida $10 million grants as part of the fifth round of the state’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.

Matthew Driscoll, executive director of the New York State Thruway Authority and a former Syracuse mayor, on Wednesday 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. “The community’s going to come together over the next several months to complete their vision. The community members … they will help decide what projects are supported and how you want to reimagine this area.”

Oneida award

Canals Director Brian Stratton on Tuesday announced Oneida’s grant at Oneida City Hall.

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 Wednesday.