Funding for North Country Community Revitalization

$7.1 Million Approved to Give Economic Boost to North Country Communities . Part of $29 Million for Projects Statewide

ALBANY, NY (09/19/2007)(readMedia)-- Governor Eliot Spitzer today announced more than $7.1 million for revitalization projects in communities across the North Country. Among other things, awards will help refurbish the historic Franklin Building in the heart of Watertown’s business district.

The funding is part of a total $29 million in awards from the Office For Small Cities (OFSC), which will fund 67 projects statewide, benefit 65 communities in 35 counties.

“These investments will help upstate communities address the critical areas of housing, infrastructure, economic development and downtown revitalization needed to build a stronger economy,” Governor Spitzer said.

Deborah VanAmerongen, Commissioner of the Division of Housing & Community Renewal and Chair of the Housing Trust Fund Corporation, which approved the awards today, said these grants “will have a significant impact on local communities and make it possible for localities and developers to leverage more than $48 million in additional funding statewide. This is an example of the type of collaboration that makes a real difference in the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”

Revitalizing Downtown Watertown*

Examples of the types of projects receiving awards include a grant, to the City of Watertown in Jefferson County, will help rehabilitate and refurbish the Franklin Building, an historic landmark and keystone building in the heart of the city’s downtown district.

The State’s $650,000 grant will help leverage more than $5 million in additional funding, including a $50,000 grant from National Grid, $1.25 million from the State’s Main Street and Restore NY programs and $250,000 in bank financing. The end result will be a new anchor to attract businesses back to downtown, as well as 18 new affordable apartments.

Additional projects funded throughout the North Country include:

  • • Essex County will receive $600,000 for its homeownership program
  • • Jefferson County will receive $600,000 to rehabilitate 28 low to moderate-income housing units
  • • Lewis County will receive $435,500 for its homeownership program
  • • The Town of Moriah will receive $400,000 for public water and sewer upgrades
  • • The Town of Brandon will receive $400,000 to rehabilitate 20 low and moderate-income housing units
  • • The Village of Saranac Lake will receive $400,000 to renovate the Saranac Lake Adult Center
  • • The Village of Lowville will receive $400,000 to rehabilitate 14 low and moderate-income housing units
  • • St. Lawrence County will receive 395,000 to rehabilitate 12 housing units
  • • St. Lawrence County will receive $400,000 to rehabilitate 13 low and moderate-income housing units
  • • St. Lawrence County will receive $600,000 for its homeownership program
  • • The City of Ogdensburg will receive $400,000 to rehabilitate 81 low and moderate-income housing units
  • • The Village of Gouverneur will receive $650,000 for Phase II of its Main St. Revitalization Project
  • • The Town of Potsdam will receive $400,000 to rehabilitate 13 low and moderate-income housing units
  • • The Village of Potsdam will receive $400,000 to rehabilitate 15 low and moderate-income housing units

Congressman John McHugh said, “As a longtime supporter of the Community Development Block Grants Program, I’m thrilled to see these funds going to help the people who need it most. This funding will benefit thousands of people in cities and communities across New York State raise their standard of living and meet basic needs. I will continue to seek that the CDBG is fully funded by Congress each year, because this is truly a cause worth championing.”

Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand, a Member of the House Armed Services Committee said, “I am thrilled to announce these major awards. By directing resources into local the economy we can spur job creation and improve the quality of life in upstate New York,” she said. “I’d like to thank Governor Spitzer for his leadership and commitment to investing in our local communities.”

OFSC administers the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, and provides grants to eligible cities, towns, and villages with a population under 50,000 and certain counties with populations under 200,000.

To view all the grants awarded by the Office For Small Cities visit www.dhcr.state.ny.us or www.nysmallcities.com

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