Empire State Development news and press releases

State to Collaborate with Western New York Regional Economic Development Council to Revitalize Niagara Falls' Bridge District Part of Governor's Comprehensive Approach to Transform Communities into Vibrant Neighborhoods and Boost Local Economies Downtown Revitalization Investments Are Crucial Part of Western New York's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that Niagara Falls' Bridge District will receive $10 million in funding as the Western New York winner of the fourth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. As in the first three rounds of the DRI, one municipality from each of the state's 10 regional economic development regions is selected as a $10 million winner, marking another overall state goal to target $100 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods where the next generation of New Yorkers will want to live, work and raise a family. "We challenged local governments through the DRI process to propose innovative ideas to create jobs and drive economic growth," Governor Cuomo said. "With this investment, we are doubling down on our commitment to revitalizing Western New York and building on the assets that exist in the Niagara Falls community to further maximize this world-famous area." "As a Western New Yorker and frequent visitor to Niagara Falls, I know the city is not just an iconic tourist destination and home to one of the wonders of the world - it is a community on the rise with great civic and cultural strengths," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who attended today's event. "With funding from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, Niagara Falls will be able to build on recent state investments and historic progress to create an even brighter future." Read the full press release here. 

With videoconferencing to: USAN Board Room 222 First Street, 7th Floor Niagara Falls, NY 14303

State to Collaborate with Long Island Regional Economic Development Council to Revitalize Baldwin's Downtown Part of Governor's Comprehensive Approach to Transform Communities into Vibrant Neighborhoods and Boost Local Economies Downtown Revitalization Investments Are Crucial Part of Long Island's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that Baldwin in the Town of Hempstead will receive $10 million in funding as the Long Island winner of the fourth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. As in the first three rounds of the DRI, one municipality from each of the state's 10 regional economic development regions is selected as a $10 million winner, marking another overall state goal to target $100 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods where the next generation of New Yorkers will want to live, work and raise a family. "With this competition we are challenging local governments to come up with a comprehensive plan to revitalize their downtowns, and Baldwin did exactly that," Governor Cuomo said. "This plan builds on Baldwin's existing assets including the LIRR and focuses on transit orientated development to drive economic growth in the region. It is not only ambitious and innovative - it is actually going to happen. And when you put boldness together with feasibility, that is magic." "Strategically located near the Long Island Rail Road, Baldwin offers commercial, retail, and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors and is primed for continued growth," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "This funding as part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative will advance efforts to grow downtown Baldwin and increase economic activity in Nassau County. With this targeted investment, we continue our commitment to strengthen communities statewide and ensure further success now and in the future." Read the full press release here.