Governor Andrew Cuomo visited Owego this yesterday morning to announce that the Village of Owego had won first place in the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative. Owego will receive a $10 million grant. Owego is the Southern Tier winner. Governor Cuomo made the announcement at the Ti-Ahwaga Performing Arts Center. There are ten first place winners statewide with 105 entries in the competition for DRI grants.
Owego now joins Elmira and Watkins Glen, which were the Southern Tier region’s winners in the first and second DRI rounds, respectively.
Owego will now begin the process of developing 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 made up of municipal representatives, community leaders, and other stakeholders will lead the effort, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The Strategic Investment Plan for Owego will examine local assets and opportunities and identify economic development, transportation, housing, and community projects that align with the community’s vision for downtown revitalization and that are poised for implementation. The Owego Strategic Investment Plan will guide the investment of DRI grant funds in revitalization projects that will advance the community’s vision for its downtown and that can leverage and expand upon the state’s $10 million investment. Plans for the DRI’s third round will be complete in 2019. WEBO has video of the event, the full transcript, and the press release on www.myhometowntoday.com.
