Village of Phoenix to Receive $4.5 Million; Villages of Moravia and Hamilton to Receive $2.25 Million Each New $100 Million NY Forward Program Builds on Momentum of the Successful Downtown Revitalization Initiative to Support a More Equitable Downtown Recovery for New York's Smaller and Rural Communities Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the Village of Phoenix will receive $4.5 million, and the Villages of Moravia and Hamilton will each receive $2.25 million in funding as the Central New York region winners of the first round of NY Forward. Building on the momentum of the State's successful Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the $100 million NY Forward program adopts the same "Plan-then-Act" strategy as the DRI to support a more equitable downtown recovery for New York's smaller and rural communities. As part of NY Forward Round One, two to three awards will be made to smaller communities in each of the state's ten economic development regions to support development and implementation of a revitalization plan for their downtowns. "New York's downtowns are the heart and soul of our communities and regions, and NY Forward will ensure that Phoenix, Moravia, and Hamilton have the resources they need to thrive and flourish," Governor Hochul said. "This funding will revitalize these villages back to what the bustling areas they once were by making communities more walkable, creating new housing opportunities, and attracting businesses." NY Forward is a central component of the State's economic development efforts, working together with DRI to accelerate and expand the revitalization of New York's downtowns. NY Forward serves smaller communities with historic character that distinguishes them from the larger, more urban central business districts typically funded through DRI. NY Forward communities are walkable, less dense areas that serve the immediate local community, and are more local in nature - focusing on the immediately surrounding residential or rural agricultural centric development. Like DRI, each NY Forward community will develop a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize its downtown through a slate of readily implementable projects. The Department of State will provide enhanced technical assistance to better support smaller communities that may have less capacity as part of the NY Forward program and fund projects appropriately scaled to the size of each community. Projects may include building renovation and redevelopment, new construction or creation of new or improved public spaces and other projects that elevate specific cultural, historical qualities that enhance the feeling of small-town charm. Read the full press release here.

Downtown Revitalization Investments are a Critical Part of the State's Comprehensive Economic Development and Community Growth Strategy State to Work with Residents, Community Leaders and Public Officials to Revitalize Perry's Downtown Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the Village of Perry will receive $10 million in funding as the Finger Lakes region winner of the sixth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. For DRI Round 6, each of the state's 10 economic development regions will be awarded $10 million, which will total a $100 million state commitment to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods. "Our downtowns are the lifeblood of New York communities, and my administration is committed to delivering the resources they need to thrive, flourish and reach their full potential," Governor Hochul said. "Through this $10 million investment from our Downtown Revitalization Initiative, we're helping Perry drive economic development in its downtown and enhance the rich history of the village while strengthening the community." The DRI serves as a component of the state's economic development policy by transforming downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers of activity that oer a high quality of life and attract businesses, jobs and economic and housing diversity. Like past DRI rounds, each selected community will develop a strategic plan through a bottom-up, community-based planning process that articulates a vision for the revitalization of its downtown and identies a list of signature projects that have transformative potential and leverage further private and public investments. The Department of State will then award DRI funds to selected projects with the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and realize the community's vision. Read the full press release here.

View all grants to be presented at the batch virtual public hearing.

State Tax Credits Support Life Sciences Innovation, DNA Manufacturing, and Job Creation Builds Upon $350 Million Long Island Investment Fund to Bolster Biotechnology Growth Governor Kathy Hochul today announced state support for Applied DNA Sciences, Inc.'s ongoing development of the company's LinearDNA platform for the manufacturing of the next generation of DNA-based medicines. Applied DNA Sciences is a leader in polymerase chain reaction DNA technologies, and LinearDNA is a direct alternative to plasmid DNA used in the production of DNA-based medicines, such as gene therapies and mRNA vaccines. This technology, developed by Applied DNA Sciences in the Stony Brook University High Technology Incubator, has the potential to drive new innovation in the life sciences industry. "With its team of world-class researchers, scientific breakthroughs, and innovative medicine manufacturing, Applied DNA Sciences will now join New York's thriving life sciences corridor on Long Island," Governor Hochul said. "Through major initiatives like our Excelsior Jobs program and $350 million Long Island Investment Fund, New York continues to invest in high-growth industries like life sciences to stimulate the regional economy, create the jobs of tomorrow, and build the next major hub for innovation right here in our state." Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Today's Applied DNA Sciences announcement showcases the incredible strength of Long Island's life science ecosystem and will act as a catalyst for even more innovation and growth in the development of DNA therapies. The use of LinearDNA will allow biotech researchers and scientists to create life-changing medicine and treatments that will improve the lives of New Yorkers on Long Island and across the State" Read the full press release here.