Results

Empire State Development Corporation

05/16/2026 | Press release | Archived content

Governor Hochul Announces 18 Transformational Projects in the North Country as Part of Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward Programs

Projects Announced in Malone, Gouverneur and Keeseville

Localities Must Be Certified Under Governor Hochul's Pro-Housing Communities Program To Receive DRI or NY Forward Funding

View Project Renderings

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced awards for a total of 18 transformational projects for the North Country as part of two economic development programs: the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and NY Forward. Ten projects were announced for the Village of Malone, the Round 8 winner of a $10 million DRI award; three projects were announced for the Village of Gouverneur, a Round 3 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award; and five were announced for the Hamlet of Keeseville, also a Round 3 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award.

"I am proud that the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and New York Forward programs are bringing eighteen transformational projects to the North Country," Governor Hochul said. "By investing in the region's economic development, we create more liveable and affordable communities for New Yorkers to raise their families and gather with neighbors."

DRI and NY Forward communities developed Strategic Implementation Plans (SIPs), which create a vision for the future of their downtown and identify and recommend a slate of complementary, transformative and implementable projects that support that vision. The SIPs are guided by a Local Planning Committee (LPC) comprised of local and regional leaders, stakeholders and community representatives, with the assistance of an assigned consultant and DOS staff, all of whom conduct extensive community outreach and engagement when determining projects. The projects selected for funding from the SIP were identified as having the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and generate new opportunities for long-term growth.

Read the full press release here.

Empire State Development Corporation published this content on May 16, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 18, 2026 at 14:28 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]