Empire State Development: WNY awarded $28.5 million through Regional Council initiative

Funding will support 41 projects that align with region’s strategic plan

√ Region awarded additional $10 million to support future local high-impact projects

Empire State Development Press Release

Empire State Development announced Western New York was awarded $28.5 million through Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2025 Regional Economic Development Council initiative. This funding will support 41 projects across five counties, leveraging $56.2 million in additional public and private investments. Western New York was also awarded $10 million to use toward future high-impact projects.

ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Gov. Hochul’s REDCs continue to recommend proposals that will create jobs and spur new growth through a locally focused, bottom-up strategy to economic development. By awarding state funding to projects that align with regional priorities, New York is investing in new ideas, new efforts and new developments to promote community growth throughout the state."

Secretary of State and REDC Chair Walter T. Mosley said, "I want to congratulate all the dedicated individuals who worked so hard in helping promote, shape and drive sustainable economic development in our communities. Over the years, the REDC initiative has created jobs, affordable housing and sparked economies all across our state, and the Department of State has been proud to play a role. I look forward to witnessing the growth of our communities through this initiative and seeing these projects come to fruition."

WNY REDC co-chairs Eric Reich and Steve Stoute said, "Our council remains steadfast in its commitment to building a more prosperous, sustainable and equitable region. Through strategic public-private partnerships, we are investing in our people, our places, and our most innovative industries. These REDC awarded projects reinforce our core strategies and will deliver a meaningful impact across urban neighborhoods, suburban towns and rural villages in Western New York."

Projects awarded funding in Western New York include:

•Allegany County – $3 Million Pro-Housing Supply Fund grant: The county will build a wastewater package plant at the county-owned S-Curves property and install a wastewater collection system. These improvements will enable a 220-unit housing development to be built on adjacent property, featuring one-to-three-bedroom units, designed to help address the county’s housing shortage. The additional housing will also help attract trained professionals to the region.

•City of North Tonawanda – $2.5 Million Pro-Housing Supply Fund grant: The city will complete infrastructure upgrades for Bridge Street Landing, a mixed-use development project on Tonawanda Island in downtown North Tonawanda. The infrastructure project includes waterlines, storm water drainage system, gas and electrical infrastructure, sewer upgrades, paving and sidewalks. The future housing project will include 80 residential units. The development also includes a public benefit area that will provide passive recreation amenities for residents and visitors to assist in activating North Tonawanda’s waterfront.

•Niagara Orleans Regional Land Improvement Corp. – $1 Million Regional Council Capital Fund grant: Funding will support the restoration of Rapid’s Theatre in Niagara Falls, providing capacity to welcome major headlining events. The scope of work involves extensive exterior and interior renovations as well as utility and HVAC upgrades. The renovation of the theater will support the Niagara Falls Main Street redevelopment initiative and aid in facilitating downtown revitalization and tourism efforts.

A full list of projects across all 10 regions is available here.

More about the Regional Economic Development Councils: The REDC initiative is a key component of New York’s approach to state investment and economic development. In 2011, 10 Regional Councils were established to develop long-term strategic plans for economic growth for their regions. The councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. Learn more at regionalcouncils.ny.gov.

More about Empire State Development: ESD is New York’s chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state’s world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.