Governor Hochul Announces DRI and NY Forward award recipients from the Mohawk Valley Region

Congratulations to the Village of Herkimer, Town of Richfield and the Village of Boonville

Village of Herkimer awarded $10 million as the newest alumni of the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Program

Today, Governor Hochul visited Herkimer College to announce the Mohawk Valley Region’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) $10 million award winner. There was a round of applause for the Village of Herkimer when it was announced that it was this round’s $10 million award recipient.  The Governor along with Secretary of State, Robert Rodrigues presented a check to the Village of Herkimer to “restore our economic, commercial, cultural, and historic Main Street into a vibrant, resilient, sustainable, and thriving community.”

Herkimer has been awarded $10 million in state funding and investments to revitalize its downtown neighborhood and generate new opportunities for long-term growth following the local planning process.

NY Forward award recipients from the Mohawk Valley Region: The Town of Richfield and The Village of Boonville

Congratulations to the Mohawk Valley’s newest NY Forward alumni, the Town of Richfield and the Village of Boonville!

Both the Town of Richfield and the Village of Boonville have been awarded $4.5 million each from the NY Forward Program. The NY Forward Program is designed “to invigorate and enliven downtowns in New York’s smaller and rural communities—the type of downtowns found in villages, hamlets and other small, neighborhood-scale municipal centers.” (NY Forward website)

“Through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward, we are helping communities transform their downtowns and enact visions of hope that would otherwise be impossible,” Governor Hochul said. “This funding will support Herkimer, Boonville, and Richfield as they carry out their plans to enhance the quality of life for New Yorkers in their communities, draw visitors, and spur economic opportunity for generations to come.”

The Village of Boonville’s application—entitled, “We’re Just Up the Road”—seeks to transform its downtown into an attractive destination for tourists and residents alike, building on its reputation as a hub for tourism and recreation, as well as the Gateway to the Adirondacks. (Governor.ny.gov)

The Greater Richfield Springs Downtown Area—located in the Town of Richfield and Village of Richfield Springs—is a small community with an outsized passion for the revitalization of its Main Street. Richfield’s NY Forward award will build on prior public and prior investments that have set the process of revitalization in motion. Projects and goals identified in its application focus on enhancements to the public realm through streetscape improvements; adaptive re-use of existing buildings; increased walkability and bikeability to promote public health and well-being; increased sustainability and decreased greenhouse gas emissions; support for small business growth in the downtown area; and increase awareness of, and appreciation for, its diverse cultural backgrounds. (Governor.ny.gov)