NEW: Lowville selected to receive $10 million from Downtown Revitalization Initiative
Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Tuesday that Lowville will receive $10 million in funding as the North Country winner of the seventh round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
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.”
“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," Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush said.
"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.”
“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," Mayor Joseph Beagle of the Village of Lowville said.
"It will allow the Village of Lowville to continue to make upgrades throughout the Village.”
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, the Governor's Office said.
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.
Furthermore, the Governor's Office says 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.
Moving forward, 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.
Naturally Lewis image.
