Governor Kathy Hochul announced over $23 million has been awarded to support 101 communities across the state through part of Round XIII of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative. The award will help promote smart, sustainable and equitable community planning, development and construction of projects that focus on accessible economic, community, environmental and recreational improvements in all New York’s regions.
The Village of Newark was awarded $50,000 to develop a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) for its Erie Canal waterfront. The LWRP will identify and address shoreline erosion, flooding, water quality, and public access issues and propose stormwater management improvements and recreation opportunities enhancements that foster job creation and economic investment in the community and the Finger Lakes Region.
The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) provides grants to communities to develop a community-driven plan with a vision for their waterfront, guided by several environmental policies to ensure projects work in harmony with waterfront natural resources and ecosystems. The projects, funded through the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), help local communities expand public access to their waterfronts and protect the environment, while also boosting tourism and economic development opportunities. These awards cover a variety of planning, design and construction projects that focus on accessible economic, community, environmental and recreational improvements.
“An investment in smart growth and sustainable community development is an investment that will pay dividends for generations to come,” Governor Hochul said. “These programs are essential elements in the State’s bold, innovative efforts to create a more prosperous, equitable and sustainable future for New Yorkers of all backgrounds, incomes and abilities.”
Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, Chair of the Regional Economic Development Councils said, “This is how we build a more equitable future across our state. By investing in our communities and funding crucial economic development programs, we can ensure more New Yorkers have access to the opportunities, tools, and resources they need to succeed.”
New York State Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, “Sustainable, equitable and resilient community development forms the backbone of New York’s renaissance in community and downtown revitalization. These grant awards will help reinvigorate waterfronts, reimagine and redevelop abandoned industrial sites and create resilient and environmentally sustainable neighborhoods.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “These grant awards funded through the REDC initiative reflect projects and programs that are actively designing a sustainable future for New York, one that emphasizes smart growth and building on regional strengths. By revitalizing waterfronts and giving new life to former industrial areas, we are strategically boosting local economies around the state.”
Senator Pam Helming said, “This grant, funded through The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program will go a long way toward making the Village of Newark a more vibrant destination for business, tourism, and recreation. This award will help promote smart, sustainable community planning, which protects our environment and natural resources. Thank you to Mayor Jonathan Taylor, and village and state agency partners who contributed to this important initiative.”
Assemblyman Brian Manktelow said, “I continually applaud the Village of Newark for seeking out these grant opportunities, and the State for recognizing the value that these grants will have on our community. This prudent investment into maintaining our portion of the Erie Canal will ensure that we are able to share its history with everyone who wishes to see it. Together we can promote our history, enable more public access, protect the shorelines, and bolster our local economy by placing more emphasis on projects like
this. “
Village of Newark Mayor Jonathan Taylor, said, “The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program planning grant is integral to the continued redevelopment of our community. Once the plan is in place, it will allow Newark to grow as a desirable destination to live, work and play.”
