Mohawk Valley to receive millions in state funding. Where and how the money will be spent

Governor Kathy Hochul announced Herkimer will receive $10 million in funding as Mohawk Valley Region winner of the seventh round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI).

The villages of Boonville and Richfield will also receive $4.5 million each, as Mohawk Valley Region NY Forward recipients.

For the seventh round of DRI investments, each of the state's 10 economic development regions was awarded $10 million for a total state commitment of $100 million, state officials said.

According to Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez the NY Forward program adopts the same “Plan-then-Act” strategy of the DRI, coupling strategic planning with project implementation to support a more equitable resurgence for rural communities.

Last year’s commitment of $100 million to the DRI fund and NY Forward marked a total investment of $1 billion for both programs since inception. Hochul’s 2025 Fiscal Year Executive budget proposed another $100 million to each program, totaling $200 million.

“We are helping communities transform their downtowns and enact visions of hope that would otherwise be impossible,” Hochul said in a statement. “This funding will support Herkimer, Boonville, and Richfield as they carry out their plans to enhance the quality of life for New Yorkers, draw visitors, and spur economic opportunity for generations to come. My commitment to the Mohawk Valley is enduring."

What does the DRI award mean for Herkimer?

The DRI was created in 2016 to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtown neighborhoods and promote catalysts for investment, according to officials.

In the first six years of the program, the state has committed $700 million to 69 downtown areas.

This year’s proposals were reviewed by the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council. They evaluated municipalities that had: well-defined downtown areas, recent or impending job growth opportunities, and clearly defined projects that would be “ready for near-term implementation with the infusion of DRI or NY Forward funds.”

Hochul said Herkimer was unique in that elected officials, community leaders, and business owners joined forces to present a unified vision. For that reason, she felt the village showed readiness having already completed a strategic Master Plan, received funding to develop a New York Department of State Brownfield Opportunity Area Plan, revised its zoning code, and secured commitments for private sector investments.

Rodriguez added how Herkimer’s application presented clever ideas like revitalizing the Grand Opera and a public art mural project.

“That’s what makes a winning formula – when communities come together to jumpstart their own revitalization,” he said.

Herkimer now joins Oneonta, Rome, Amsterdam, Gloverville, Little Falls and Clinton/Kirkland – as Mohawk Valley recipients from the first six rounds of DRI provisions.

In the next six months, Herkimer will develop a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize its downtown with up to $300,000 in planning funds from the $10 million DRI grant. A Local Planning Committee will be created, comprising municipal representatives, community leaders and stakeholders. Private sector experts and state planners will assist the group with next steps.

According to officials plans for the DRI's seventh round will be complete in 2024.

Sate Assemblyman Brian Muller praised Herkimer’s proactivity claiming the nomination was well-deserved.

“This is a catalyst for transformative change," he said. "From anchor properties to walkability, this investment will attract jobs, businesses, and connect the community to recreational assets, while fostering a dynamic and welcoming environment that once again embodies community pride.”

Village of Herkimer Mayor Dana Sherry celebrated the nomination and assured next steps would be taken with intention.

“I am honored that the governor would choose the Village of Herkimer as the recipient of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative," Sherry said. "The DRI stands as a transformational investment that will benefit many generations to come. We look forward to additional guidance from the Governor's office and Empire State Development as we ignite the rebirth of the Village of Herkimer.”

What does the NY Forward award mean for Boonville?

NY Forward works in concert with the DRI to accelerate the revitalization of rural downtowns, officials said.

Boonville now joins Cooperstown, Sharon Springs and Dolgeville – Mohawk Valley winners in the first round of NY Forward. Its application – entitled, “We’re Just Up the Road” – seeks to build on its reputation as a Gateway to the Adirondacks.

Rodriguez said the village expressed readiness through prior public sector grants and updates made to the Master Plan to achieve Clean Energy Community designation. He noted that the application listed clear goals to become “walkable, bikeable, and adorable."

With the NY Forward award the village envisions improved pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, expanded small business opportunities, and enhanced public spaces with ample cultural activities, the release said.

Boonville will now begin the process of forming a Local Planning Committee and a Strategic Investment Plan. The Department of State will provide technical assistance and capacity-building webinars as the process unfurls.

Village of Boonville Mayor Judith Dellerba assured the community’s plans to maximize the funds granted.

“The generous award will enable us to embark on transformative projects that will strengthen the fabric of the Boonville community," she said. "This new partnership exemplifies a shared vision for a brighter future, and together we will work tirelessly to maximize the impact of this funding, ensuring it reaches every bit of our village, and leaves a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

Revitalization, as a means of retention

Hochul pointed out that revitalization plays a big role in retention. She explained that New Yorkers who leave the state, but stay in the Northeast, tend to flock to Pennsylvania, Connecticut, or New Jersey – “areas that have expanded their housing efforts.”

Rodriguez acknowledged that upon inception the DRI had made strides in implementing an additional 3,500 units of housing across the state, a third of which are affordable.

With the recent acquisition of Wolfspeed and Micron Hochul anticipates the corridor from Buffalo to Albany to soon reignite.

“We have to capture that momentum and make sure we have a variety of housing stock available for new employees,” said Hochul. “Revitalization is not just the spruced-up look of a community, there’s a psychological shift. When people believe in their communities they breed a sense of confidence which is contagious.”

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Gov. Hochul secures $14.5 million in award funding for Oneida County