Governor Hochul Announces North Country Winners of Downtown Revit...

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the City of Ogdensburg will receive $10 million in funding as the North Country winner of the ninth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), and the Town of Moriah and Village of Heuvelton will each receive $4.5 million as the North Country winners of the fourth round of NY Forward. For Round 9 of the DRI and Round 4 of the NY Forward Program, each of the State's 10 economic development regions are being awarded $10 million from each program, for a total state commitment of $200 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods. To date, total investments in the DRI and NY Forward have reached $1.4 billion.

"Our North Country communities are vital to the fabric of New York State and we are committed to providing them with the resources they need to thrive," Governor Hochul said. "These investments will transform downtown areas into a hub for economic activity and job creation in a way that highlights the communities' unique culture and history. I look forward to working with these municipalities and assisting them in executing their vision for their community."

To receive funding from either the DRI or NY Forward program, localities must be certified under Governor Hochul's Pro-Housing Communities Program, which recognizes and rewards municipalities actively working to unlock their housing potential and encourages others to follow suit. After becoming certified, localities have exclusive access to up to $750 million in discretionary State funding, including DRI and NY Forward. Since the launch of the Pro-Housing Communities Program, funds awarded to Pro-Housing Communities throughout the state have supported up to 20,000 more homes. To date, more than 400 communities across New York have been certified.

Many of the projects funded through the DRI and NY Forward support Governor Hochul's affordability agenda. The DRI has invested in the creation of more than 5,000 units of housing - more than 2,000 of which (40 percent) are affordable or workforce housing. The programs committed $9 million to 12 projects that provide affordable or free childcare and childcare worker training. The DRI and NY Forward have also invested in the creation of public parks, public art - such as murals and sculptures - and art, music and cultural venues that provide free outdoor recreation and entertainment opportunities.

$10 Million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Award for Ogdensburg

At the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Oswegatchie rivers sits the City of Ogdensburg, one of New York State's geographic gems with seven miles of waterfront, an international airport and a direct connection to Canada. At the core of the city is a compact and walkable downtown that holds both cultural and civic treasures, including the Ogdensburg Public Library, the Frederic Remington Art Museum, City Hall and waterfront recreation spaces, all within reach of one another, forming a living ecosystem of art, ambition and community spirit. Now, on the cusp of transformational investment, Ogdensburg stands poised to write a new chapter: a revitalized waterfront married to a thriving historic downtown, where new housing, retail and hospitality will activate the river's edge and enhanced streetscapes will invite residents and visitors to experience the full downtown corridor. Having already laid the groundwork for this investment by restoring landmarks, modernizing infrastructure and uniting the community around a shared vision for the City's future, Ogdensburg will be able to turn those dreams into a reality.

$4.5 Million NY Forward Award for Moriah

Nestled inside the Adirondack Mountain Park, slightly north of the new Crown Point Champlain Bridge over Lake Champlain sits Moriah, a vibrant town containing six hamlets - Grover Hills, Moriah Corners, Moriah Center, Mineville, Witherbee and Port Henry - that serves as a gateway between New York and Vermont. After completing its Main Street Revitalization Strategy, the Town is ready to bring renewed vitality to the historic center of Port Henry, which serves as Moriah's Main Street. As the heart of community life in Moriah, Port Henry has a deep industrial history that now serves as a gathering space for residents and visitors alike. Envisioning a revitalized Main Street with restored historic buildings, new housing and public gathering spaces, the town aims to transform downtown into a welcoming, economically resilient place that celebrates its past while building a sustainable future for generations to come.

$4.5 Million NY Forward Award for Heuvelton

Located in the northwestern corner of St. Lawrence County, the Village of Heuvelton is a small but vibrant community rooted in history, natural beauty and strong local connections. Located just eight miles from the St. Lawrence River and just outside the Adirondack Park, the village sits at the crossroads of important transportation routes, linking residents and visitors to nearby Ogdensburg and destinations throughout New York and Canada. Flowing through the heart of the village, the Oswegatchie River has long shaped Heuvelton's story - once serving as a route for trade and now providing hydroelectric power and opportunities for recreation. Historic landmarks, including the former Ogdensburg and Lake Champlain Railroad corridor and community gathering spaces like Pickens Hall, reflect the village's rich past. Looking ahead, Heuvelton is focused on thoughtful growth, including revitalizing downtown spaces, supporting small businesses and expanding parks, trails and waterfront access, all while preserving the welcoming, small-town character that defines the community.

The City of Ogdensburg joins Plattsburgh, Watertown, Saranac Lake, Potsdam, Tupper Lake, Massena, Ticonderoga, Lowville and Malone as winners of the DRI for the North Country, while the Town of Moriah and Village of Heuvelton join Cape Vincent, Lyons Falls, Waddington, Alexandria Bay, Canton, Gouverneur and Keeseville as NY Forward winners for the North Country.

New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, "With these DRI and NY Forward investments, Ogdensburg, Moriah and Heuvelton will bring residents, business owners and community leaders together to identify projects that enhance their historic downtowns, support small businesses and create welcoming places for people to live, work and visit for years to come. The Department of State is proud to support these communities as they develop their projects, and we look forward to seeing their ideas come to life. Congratulations to the North Country's newest awardees, and thank you to Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to revitalizing communities across New York State."

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Through the DRI and NY Forward initiatives, we are DRI-ving a new era of growth across the North Country. Strategic planning in Ogdensburg, Moriah, and Heuvelton will ensure every dollar is invested with purpose - transforming historic downtowns into vibrant destinations and supporting sustainable long-term growth."

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "Ogdensburg, Moriah and Heuvelton join the 400-and-growing Pro-Housing cities, towns and villages across the state and in the North Country that are unlocking their housing potential and leveraging resources to reinvigorate their local economies and elevate their downtowns. The $19 million investment in DRI and NY Forward funds for these three municipalities is part of Governor Hochul's commitment to expanding opportunities that help individuals, families and businesses build their futures here in the North Country. The North Country is on the rise and we look forward to seeing it turn this momentum into long-term prosperity."

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, "Transforming downtown urban and rural communities across New York State is an opportunity to turn older buildings into modern, clean and comfortable housing and mixed-use spaces. NYSERDA is proud to contribute to these local efforts that will help to shape vibrant, walkable neighborhoods in the North Country while laying a strong foundation for regional economic growth."

North Country Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs James McKenna and Dr. Kathryn Morris said, "Securing the DRI and NY Forward grants is a game-changer for Ogdensburg, Moriah, and Heuvelton. By anchoring their futures in a collaborative, strategic planning process, these communities are moving beyond simple improvements to build a lasting blueprint-one that honors their unique North Country heritage while paving the way for a new generation of residents and small businesses to thrive."

Mayor Ogdensburg Michael Tooley said, "I am pleased to learn that the City of Ogdensburg's application for a Round 9 Downtown Revitalization Grant Initiative has been approved. This grant of $10 million, when leveraged with private investment, will accelerate redevelopment in the city's downtown and waterfront districts. The city is honored to have been recommended by the Regional Economic Development Council and selected by Governor Hochul for this transformative funding. City staff and the city's Strategic Planning Committee engaged with over 600 residents and businesses in developing our DRI grant application, which included 270 letters of support. I believe the level of community participation in this process was an important factor in the award of this grant to the city. The project summary in the city's application listed 21 potential projects with a total budget of $35.5 million, so local businesses and developers are ready and willing to merge private monies with DRI support to make these projects a reality. Over the past decade the Downtown Revitalization Initiative has been instrumental in providing funding for municipalities across New York State to transform their downtowns. We commend Governor Hochul in her recognition that this funding remains vital to our localities and, joined by the state legislature, for maintaining DRI funding in the state budget since the concept was launched in 2016. The City of Ogdensburg looks forward to beginning the work made possible by this DRI grant to revitalize our downtown.

Mayor of Heuvelton Barbara Lashua said, "We would like to thank Governor Hochul for this award. We are excited about the possibilities that a NY Forward offers to our small community and are anxious to witness the transformation it will bring. Having served as a hub for goods, services and activity since the early 1800s, it is time to reinvest in our past so that we can celebrate a bright future."

Supervisor of Moriah Matt Brassard said, "Today is an incredibly exciting day for the Town of Moriah and the Hamlet of Port Henry. We are deeply honored and grateful to have been selected for a $4.5 million NY Forward Grant to help revitalize our downtown. This investment will allow us to build on the incredible potential of Port Henry, strengthen our local businesses, enhance public spaces, and create new opportunities for residents and visitors alike. On behalf of the Town of Moriah, I want to sincerely thank Governor Hochul, the NY Forward committee and everyone who has supported this application. This funding represents a major step forward for our community, and we are looking forward to the many great things that will come from this award. The future of downtown Port Henry is bright, and this is just the beginning."

Ogdensburg, Moriah and Heuvelton will now begin the process of developing a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize their downtowns. 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 guide the investment of DRI and NY Forward grant funds in revitalization projects that are poised for implementation, will advance the community's vision for their downtown and that can leverage and expand upon the state's investment.

The North Country Regional Economic Development Council conducted a thorough and competitive review process of proposals submitted from communities throughout the region and considered all criteria before recommending these communities as nominees.

About the Downtown Revitalization Initiative

The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was created in 2016 to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods in all ten regions of the state to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment. Led by the Department of State with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal and NYSERDA, the DRI represents an unprecedented and innovative "plan-then-act" strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation and results in compact, walkable downtowns that are a key ingredient to helping New York State rebuild its economy from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to achieving the State's bold climate goals by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles. Through eight rounds, the DRI will have awarded a total of $900 million to 89 communities across every region of the State.

About the NY Forward Program

First announced as part of the 2022 Budget, Governor Hochul created the NY Forward program to build on the momentum created by the DRI. The program works in concert with the DRI to accelerate and expand the revitalization of smaller and rural downtowns throughout the State so that all communities can benefit from the State's revitalization efforts, regardless of size, character, needs and challenges.

NY Forward communities are supported by a professional planning consultant and team of State agency experts led by DOS to develop a Strategic Investment Plan that includes a slate of transformative, complementary and readily implementable projects.