O’Mara: Revitalization award for Elmira continues laying foundations of renewal for Southern Tier (UPDATED, July 8)

July 7, 2016

Downtown Revitalization

From left to right: Elmira Mayor Daniel Mandell, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, Assemblyman Chris Friend, Senator O'Mara, Lieutenant Governor Hochul, Tom Tranter (co-chair of the Southern Tier REDC), and Chemung County Executive Tom Santulli.

Elmira, N.Y., July 7—State Senator Tom O’Mara, a member of the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council (REDC), welcomed today’s announcement that Downtown Elmira will receive the state’s $10-million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award in the Southern Tier region.

Senator Tom O'Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) said, “As we continue to build foundations for a stronger future for the Southern Tier region, this state investment of $10 million in the city of Elmira will continue to help move the city forward, revitalize the downtown for businesses and residents, and encourage a transformation that will benefit the entire region. I look forward to continue building on this foundation of renewal and encouraging more and more economic and community development progress in the future."

New York State’s “Downtown Revitalization Initiative” is aimed at assisting short- and long-term local plans to transform neighborhoods, encourage business development, and expand private-sector economic growth. The initiative was proposed by Governor Andrew Cuomo in his 2016 State of the State address in January and will distribute $100 million in grants to select cities in each of the state’s 10 REDC regions.

New York Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul was in Elmira today to make the Southern Tier announcement at the Clemens Center, where she was joined by O’Mara and other local, state and regional leaders.

Elmira was selected following a competitive process conducted by the Southern Tier REDC. The award provides up to $300,000 in planning funds to allow private-sector experts to partner with a local planning committee in the drafting of a Strategic Investment Plan identifying specific economic development, transportation, and housing and community projects. Plans are expected to be completed by early 2017.

Read today's full announcement from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo HERE.

Read and watch more from the:

Star-Gazette, "DOWNTOWN: Elmira to get $10M for economic development"

Time-Warner Cable News, "Elmira receives $10 million for downtown redevelopment"

Corning Leader, "Elmira selected to receive $10M from state"

WENY-TV, "Elmira awarded $10M for downtown revitalization"

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