Orange County scored big time in this year’s NY Forward program funding awards. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced earlier this month that two Orange County communities—the villages of Highland Falls and Montgomery—were awarded $4.5 million each from the $100-million NY Forward program.
Under the NY Forward program, Highland Falls and Montgomery will now begin the process of developing a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize their downtowns. A Local Planning Committee made up of municipal representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders will lead the e?ort, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The Strategic Investment Plan will examine local assets and opportunities to identify projects that align with each community's vision and that are poised for implementation. Funding will be awarded for selected projects from the Strategic Investment Plan that have the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and generate new opportunities for long-term growth, state officials said.
The Orange County Partnership applauds Gov. Kathy Hochul's efforts to revitalize downtown communities and spur economic development across the State of New York. To date, this is Orange County's sixth Downtown Revitalization/NY Forward grant award: the City of Middletown, City of Port Jervis, the Town and Village of Cornwall were previous award winners. This year’s grant awards, under the leadership of Joseph D'Onofrio, the Mayor of the Village of Highland Falls, and Village of Montgomery Board and Town Supervisor Steve Brescia, will lead to impactful community benefits for years to come in these respective municipalities.
In the wake of the major flooding incidents, this grant will help accelerate the recovery of the Village of Highland Falls. The Village of Montgomery, alongside other historic communities, forms a vital component of Orange County's community infrastructure, enriching the region as a desirable location for residence, employment, and commerce, Orange County Partnership officials stated.
"Since the Mid-Hudson Regional Council's inception, I've been proud to serve and play a key role in securing game-changing investments for the Hudson Valley. The Village of Highland Falls has been competing for state funding for years and is finally recognized for the good work and the good planning that they are doing. This is a wonderful victory for both the Village of Highland Falls and the Village of Montgomery. It's an honor to contribute to our region's growth and success,” said Maureen Halahan, President and CEO of the Orange County Partnership.
She also credited Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus who she described as a “relentless champion for small business and economic development,” for his advocacy and guidance that helped facilitate the state's decision to invest in Highland Falls and Montgomery.
The governor noted the tremendous damage caused by rainstorms to the Village of Highland Falls in early July last year and recalled that she walked the streets of the village with Orange County Executive Neuhaus and other local officials to survey the significant destruction caused by the flood waters.
The governor also announced that the City of White Plains in Westchester County secured $10 million in state economic development funding under Round 7 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative program.
The City of White Plains joins Middletown, Kingston, New Rochelle, Peekskill, Haverstraw, Ossining and Port Jervis, which were Mid-Hudson winners in the first six rounds of the DRI.
Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Dr. Marsha Gordon, President & CEO of The Business Council of Westchester and Dr. Kristine Young, President of SUNY Orange said, of the funding awards: “While we are already proud of everything these three winning applicants have to offer, DRI and NY Forward funding will help make White Plains, Highland Falls and Montgomery even more attractive to people who want to live, work or visit the Mid-Hudson region. By fueling game-changing plans and providing resources for these municipalities to grow, these program awards will breathe new life into these communities and foster a vibrant future for all.”
