Governor expected to announce big grant for Medina today in Rochester

Gov. Kathy Hochul has invited Medina village officials to Rochester this morning as part of an announcement of state investments in the Finger Lakes Region.

Medina has applied for a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant and also a Forward New York grant for up to $4.5 million.

Hochul will make an announcement at 10:30 a.m. at The Theater at Innovation Square, 131 Chestnut Street, Rochester, NY 14604. Her presentation can be following live on the governor’s website by clicking here.

Medina has been a finalist several times before for the $10 million DRI but hasn’t been awarded any of the millions. The $10 million DRI grants are more focused to cities

The state this year is offering the Forward NY grants which are geared towards villages. Those amounts so far in other parts of the state have been for either $2.25 million or $4.5 million.

Some of the Forward NY grants announced by Hochul include $4.5 million for both Lancaster and Wellsville in the Western New York region, and $4.5 million for the Village of Cape Vincent, and $2.25 million for both the villages of Lyons Falls and Waddington in the North Country.

Hochul, during an announcement at Dunkirk on Jan. 24, said the big grants from the state are “catalysts” for private investment in the communities. The grants can jump-start projects and help finish off other efforts.

Mayor Mike Sidari of Medina previously said the village has applied and been interviewed by officials in the region and state for both the $10 million DRI and $4.5 million Forward NY. The funding with accelerate economic development, small business development, tourism and housing projects.

The village has identified potential projects. If awarded one of the grants, those projects would need to go through a final approval process with the state with more precise construction estimates.