Governor Hochul Announces North Country Winners of Seventh Round Downtown Revitalization Initiative and Second Round of NY Forward Program

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced Lowville will receive $10 million in funding as the North Country winner of the seventh round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and the villages of Canton and Alexandria Bay as this year’s North Country region NY Forward winners, receiving $4.5 million each. For Round 7 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, each of the State's 10 economic development regions are being awarded $10 million, to make for a total State commitment of $100 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods.

Building on the momentum of the successful Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the $100 million NY Forward program applies the same “plan-then-act” strategy as the DRI but for New York's smaller and rural communities. Both couple strategic planning with immediate project implementation to support a more equitable downtown resurgence.

With the Governor’s commitment last year of $100 million each for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward, the State has now invested a combined total of $1 billion in both programs since their inception. The Governor has proposed another $100 million for each program, totaling $200 million, in her Fiscal Year 2025 Executive Budget.

“From years of coming to the North Country as a kid, the region has always held a special place in my heart,” Governor Hochul said. “These investments will preserve the natural beauty of these communities while energizing the region for new investment, sustainable infrastructure and growth befitting of the Adirondacks’ rugged resilience.”

$10 Million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Award for Lowville

Lowville’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative application — titled “RESTORE REDISCOVER CONNECT” — demonstrated the Village’s readiness and capacity to transform its downtown into a more vibrant neighborhood through private and public sector project opportunities that will achieve its vision for the downtown. As the “urban heart” of Lewis County, the Village seeks to preserve and enhance its small-town, rural charm, while diversifying and expanding its economic base in ways consistent with its unique character.

Lowville’s proposed investments will build on its past and ongoing efforts to make the downtown a regional center for business and culture, drawing on its position as the “intersection corridor of the Thousand Islands, the Tug Hill Plateau and the Adirondack Mountains.” Project priorities include redeveloping blighted buildings, improving public spaces and growing business opportunities, all of which will leverage outside investment, foster new partnerships and strengthen the core of Lewis County.

Lowville will 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 to 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 investment. Plans for the DRI's seventh round will be complete in 2024.

$4.5 Million NY Forward Awards for Canton and Alexandria Bay

Canton’s NY Forward application presented a realistic, visionary and comprehensive plan to transform blight into new mixed-use development that will offer diverse housing options, premium retail space and abundant entrepreneurial opportunities. As a community situated at the crossroads — geographically, economically and culturally — of the St. Lawrence Valley, the Village will implement a bold plan, backed by substantial private investment and community-driven planning, to elevate the downtown to a new place of commercial, cultural and entrepreneurial excellence. Project priorities include rebuilding and restoring commercial and residential buildings, beautifying Main Street and making downtown a welcoming and accessible place for everyone — residents, businesses and visitors alike.

Alexandria Bay’s NY Forward application presented impressive private sector project opportunities that will renovate blight, improve public amenities, grow the business sector and build much-needed and diverse downtown housing opportunities. The downtown area, which encompasses the Village’s vibrant and burgeoning waterfront and abundant natural and recreational assets, has witnessed a recent surge of private investment, which NY Forward investments will build and expand upon. The NY Forward award will allow the community to accelerate its efforts to regrow its economy and attract visitors, residents and investors to the downtown.

Canton and Alexandria Bay 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 examine local assets and opportunities to identify projects that align with each community's vision and that are poised for implementation. Funding will be awarded for selected projects from the Strategic Investment Plan that have the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and generate new opportunities for long-term growth.

New York Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, “Our treasured historic downtowns are once again brimming with energy, vibrancy and rejuvenation thanks to the support provided by the Downtown revitalization Initiative and NY Forward and the dedication of community members who work together to make their downtowns a bright and inspiring reality. These programs have sparked a wave of revitalization that is sweeping across the State, while improving economic opportunities, quality of life, health, tourism, socio-economic equity and community resiliency in the process.”

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Congratulations to this trio of North Country communities on DRI and NY Forward Funding that will help them to build on their unique charm and potential as they make revitalized downtowns a reality. Lowville, Canton and Alexandria Bay will develop and implement strategic plans to catalyze investment and transform these Adirondack and St. Lawrence Valley crossroads into vital hubs for the region’s visitors, residents and entrepreneurs.”

Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “The Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs are designed to give local governments flexibility to implement their strategic growth plans and meet their communities’ unique needs. The awards announced today for Lowville, Canton and Alexandria Bay will directly fund projects that expand the housing supply, upgrade infrastructure and walkability, and attract new businesses and more tourists to the North Country. Thank you to Governor Hochul for her dedication to improving New York's towns and cities by enhancing downtown areas and creating economically healthy communities across our state.”

North Country REDC Co-Chairs James McKenna and Dr. Kathryn Morris said, “Thanks to Governor Hochul, Lowville, Canton and Alexandria Bay are North Country jewels that will shine even more brightly thanks to the funding from these transformational programs. By promoting public-private investment, and through strategic planning that reflects the local knowledge and commitment to these communities, we will help to build on the many assets that make this region a must-see destination and a sustainable location for long-term economic growth.”

State Senator Dan Stec said, “If we’re going to grow our region and help it succeed, investing in upstate communities is vital. The $4.5 million in NY Forward funding will help bring new residential and commercial opportunities to Canton and help make it an even better place to live, work or visit.”

Assemblymember Scott Gray said, “Congratulations to the communities of Canton and Alexandria Bay on their well-deserved $4.5 million NY Forward grant awards. These grants are a tribute to the visionary planning and commitment to revitalization displayed by both communities. Canton's plan to transform its downtown into a hub of housing, retail, and entrepreneurial activity is particularly commendable, promising to bring renewed vitality and prosperity to the area. Alexandria Bay's impressive efforts to enhance their waterfront and downtown will significantly boost the local economy and quality of life for its residents. I also wish to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her pivotal role in supporting community development across New York State through the NY Forward program.”

Assemblymember Ken Blankenbush said, “I want to thank Gov. Hochul for recognizing the residents of Lowville. I was happy to support this funding, as we are ready to hit the ground running with revitalization improvements in the community. Residents patiently waited and formulated a comprehensive plan to boost the local economy, improve infrastructure, and increase public services. With this is a great initiative, we are one step closer to a bright future ahead for the North Country.”

Mayor Joseph Beagle of the Village of Lowville said, “This grant will greatly help economic development of Lewis County as the Village of Lowville is the main Village in the county as well as the county seat. It will allow the Village of Lowville to continue to make upgrades throughout the Village.”

Mayor Michael Dalton of the Village of Canton said, “The Village of Canton has been preparing and planning for this opportunity for a very long time. We are proud of our community’s growth and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges that rural communities like ours face. With broad participation from the community and strong support from area businesses, committed stakeholders and private investors, our team has assembled an ambitious set of projects that will transform Canton. We appreciate the value of these revitalization efforts and are prepared to do the work that will ensure the Village’s future as a vibrant hub of the North Country. We thank our North Country REDC and the Governor’s office and with this grant we will now embark on the ambitious and forward-thinking developments that have been in the planning phase for years.”

Mayor Michael Putnum of the Village of Alexandria Bay said, “The businesses and Village of Alexandria Bay would like to express our gratitude to Governor Hochul for selecting us as one of this year's New York Forward recipients. This award will help greatly progress the businesses in our small river community to make A-bay a better place to visit, live and enjoy!”

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 below before recommending these communities as nominees:

• The downtown should be compact, with well-defined boundaries;
• The downtown is able to capitalize on prior or catalyze future private and public investment in the neighborhood and its surrounding areas;
• There should be recent or impending job growth within, or in close proximity to the downtown that can attract workers to the downtown, support redevelopment and make growth sustainable;
• The downtown must be an attractive and livable community for diverse populations of all ages, income, gender, identity, ability, mobility and cultural background;
• The municipality should already embrace or have the ability to create and implement policies that increase livability and quality of life;
• The municipality should have conducted an open and robust community engagement process resulting in a vision for downtown revitalization and a preliminary list of projects and initiatives that may be included in a Strategic Investment Plan;
• The municipality has identified transformative projects that will be ready for near-term implementation with an infusion of DRI or NY Forward funds; and
• The municipality has the local capacity to manage the planning process and implementation of projects, including the ability to oversee contracts for awarded municipal projects.

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.

In the first six years of the program, the State committed $700 million in 69 downtowns that are ripe for revitalization and tat have the potential to become magnets for redevelopment, business, job creation and greater economic and housing diversity and opportunity. Participating communities are nominated by the State's 10 Regional Economic Development Councils based on the downtown's potential for transformation. Each community is awarded $10 million to develop a downtown strategic investment plan and implement key catalytic projects that advance the community's vision for revitalization and leverage additional private and public investments. Information on the DRI is available here.

About the NY Forward Program

NY Forward is a central component of the State's economic development policy. 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. Both programs are creating a critical mass of vibrant downtowns in every region of the State that is enhancing economic development, quality of life and socio-economic diversity.

Once awarded, NY Forward communities are supported by a professional planning consultant and team of State agency experts led by the DOS to develop a Strategic Investment Plan that includes a slate of transformative, complementary and readily implementable projects. NY Forward projects are 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 enhance specific cultural and historical qualities that define and distinguish the small-town charm that defines these municipalities.

The Strategic Investment Plans and projects are driven by a Local Planning Committee, which conducts extensive community outreach and engagement. The Department of State also provides expansive technical assistance and capacity-building webinars — featuring staff, experts and peers from DRI communities — which are geared toward supporting communities that may have less resources and capacity than larger, more urban communities.