O’Mara: Revitalization award for Hornell continues laying foundations for entire Southern Tier region

Hornell, N.Y., October 9—State Senator Tom O’Mara, a member of the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council (REDC), welcomed today’s announcement that the city of  Hornell will receive the state’s $10-million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) award in the Southern Tier region.

O'Mara said, “We are grateful for this significant state investment in the future of Hornell and the entire Southern Tier region.  Hornell offers exciting foundations on which to build, beginning with the incredible success of Alstom and the many industries that support the design and building of America's first high-speed rail.  We are hopeful this important state support will continue to advance short- and long-term community revitalization and economic growth.  We continue to appreciate the commitment and leadership of Governor Cuomo and his administration, our regional economic development council, and so many local leaders for taking these critical steps to spark economic and community development across the region.  As we keep building strategies for a stronger future for the Southern Tier region, this investment in Hornell will continue to help the city move forward, revitalize the downtown for businesses and residents alike, and encourage a transformation that will benefit the entire area."

New York State’s DRI assists short- and long-term local plans to transform neighborhoods, encourage business development, and expand private-sector economic growth.  Governor Andrew Cuomo first proposed the initiative in his 2016 State of the State address.  Under the program, the state is distributing $100 million in state grants to select municipalities in each of the state’s 10 REDC regions.

New York Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul made the announcement earlier today in Hornell.

Hornell joins the city of Elmira (Chemung County), and the villages of Penn Yan (Yates County) and Watkins Glen (Schuyler County) as DRI recipients within the 58th Senate District represented by O’Mara.

Hornell was selected following a competitive process conducted by the Southern Tier REDC.