New development effort planned for Falls

Local and state officials have scheduled a press conference for Friday afternoon where they are planning to discuss the details of a new effort aimed at using $1.6 million in state funding to spur economic growth in downtown Niagara Falls.

State Sen. Rob Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, announced plans for the press conference on Thursday, saying the money has been allocated to the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency to establish what he described as the "Downtown Niagara Falls Tourism Target Zone Program."

Ortt's office indicated that the initiative is designed to help revitalize the "immediate surrounding area of the Seneca Niagara Casino" and that the funding would serve "as a catalyst for future growth by attracting more private-sector investment, jobs and tourists."

A press release from Ortt's office indicated that the senator will discuss the initiative in greater detail on Friday at the One Niagara building where he is expected to be joined by several other officials, including state Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, R-Niagara Falls, NCIDA Chairman Steve Brady, NCIDA Executive Director Sam Ferraro, Niagara County Manager Rick Updegrove, Niagara County Legislature Majority Leader Randy Bradt, R-North Tonawanda, and the county legislature's minority leader Dennis Virtuoso, D-Niagara Falls.