Binghamton will receive $10 million in funding as the Southern Tier winner of the eighth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and the Villages of Bath and Dryden will each receive $4.5 million as the Southern Tier winners of the third round of NY Forward.
For Round 8 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and Round 3 of the NY Forward Program, each of the State’s 10 economic development regions are being awarded $10 million from each program to make for a total state commitment of $200 million in funding and investments, to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods.
$4.5 Million NY Forward Award for Bath
Situated along the scenic Cohocton River, the Village of Bath is a historic planned community that serves as a “Gateway” to Keuka Lake — renowned for its scenery, wineries and vineyards. The Village of Bath has experienced significant changes over the past decade and has recognized the need to strengthen its core and return to its role as the downtown neighborhood that people experience and enjoy. The Village’s Liberty Street Historic District revitalization is the next step in this journey. The Village seeks to bolster growth by creating an active downtown with enhanced public spaces, strategic placement of amenities and new housing opportunities that will attract visitors and foster an atmosphere that will retain and attract residents and businesses.
Village of Bath Mayor Michael Sweet said, “We are incredibly grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul for awarding this NY Forward grant and to the members of the Regional Economic Development Council for their support in making this possible. A special thank you to Omar Sanders, Regional Director; Judy McKinney-Cherry, Executive Director of SCOPED; Jamie Johnson, Executive Director of the Steuben County IDA; and Matthew Bull, Director of Community and Infrastructure Development at the Steuben County IDA, for their unwavering commitment to our community’s growth. Your leadership and dedication are truly making a lasting impact, and we deeply appreciate all that you do.”
Assemblymember Philip A. Palmesano said, “This is terrific news for the Village of Bath and the surrounding community. The Village has worked tirelessly, finding ways to move forward with the strategic goals outlined in their Economic Development Strategic Action Plan, Housing Demand Study and Liberty Street Building Evaluation and Design Guidelines. Funding from the NY Forward program will give them the ability to implement that vision to benefit the whole community by promoting economic growth and strengthening the Village’s position as a hub for increased tourism and local investment. Thank you to the Regional Economic Development Council and Governor Hochul for recognizing the hard work and commitment of our local leaders.”
State Senator Thomas O’Mara said, “This is great news for the Village of Bath that will allow local leaders to move forward on development projects that will strengthen our entire region. State investments through the NY Forward program and other initiatives have had an enormously positive impact on communities I represent across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions. These critical state investments have helped our local leaders bolster local communities and economies, spark economic growth and opportunity within the tourism sector and other small businesses and industries, ease the burden on local property taxpayers and strengthen the overall quality of life for community residents and families.”
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