Several health-promoting grants were part of the millions in economic development funding Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Dec. 19 for the Finger Lakes and South Tier regions.
Many of the funding awards in the 2019 Regional Economic Development Council Initiative awards workforce growth were in arts organizations and municipal wastewater treatment projects. Additional awards were in community development, trails and complete streets funding, play and wellness funding and service expansion funding.
These include:
Community development funding
Southern Tier Economic Growth received $100,000 for Arnot Health to undertake planning needed to address poverty in the Elmira area and enhance its role in the reduction of blight and revitalization in the City of Elmira’s downtown with a plan to transform, upgrade with innovation and technology and repurpose its physical assets.
Trails and complete streets funding
City of Rochester received $250,000 to acquire two parcels that were formerly part of the CSX corridor for an eventual rail trail construction. The plans include the JOSANA corridor in the northwest quadrant of the city and the Seneca corridor in the northeast quadrant of the city.
The Town of Brighton received $58,290 to develop a plan for the Multiversity Concept, which aims to provide a pedestrian and bicycle system linking the University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Monroe Community College with the Erie Canal and the Lehigh Valley Trails as well as the Genesee Riverway.
LaBella Associates will receive $40,000 for the Adams Street Extension Planning so that the Town of Victor can conduct a planning, feasibility and site investigation for converting an underutilized railroad in the NYS Route Corridor into a complete street that would ultimate improve access to business and allow for new development in and around downtown Victor.
The City of Hornell will receive $84,352 to extend the Shawmut Trail with a stone dust surfaced trail to connect to the Finger Lakes Trail.
Play and wellness funding
The Strong National Museum of Play received $225,000 for an expanded marketing project called Play Rochester that features a variety of regional cultural attractions. It will be created and led by the Strong National Museum of Play by allowing consumers to create tailor-made packages when planning their trip to the area.
Service expansion funding
The Clifton Springs Area YMCA received $300,000 to renovate its existing facility, expand its day care and provide space for health and wellness programs including chronic disease prevention and recovery.