The Village of Spencerport and Homesteads for Hope are two of the eight upstate entities that will receive more than $1 million in grants from the New York State Canal Corporation through Round XII of the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Initiative. Since its inception, the REDC Initiative has identified and invested in significant economic development projects, revitalizing communities, and businesses across the state.
New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “For nearly 200 years, New York’s canals have powered upstate economies through the transportation of people and products, and today, the canal waterways and adjacent trails serve as destinations for recreation and exploration that allow canalside communities to buzz with a positive energy. Under Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership, the grants awarded through this program demonstrate our continued commitment to supporting vital economic development in these villages, towns, and cities that will allow them to prosper for the next generation of residents and visitors.”
The grants will support improvement projects in communities along the Canal system across upstate New York. Benefitting projects will promote recreation and tourism through investment in the functionality and beautification of areas surrounding the Canal and Canalway Trail.
The Village of Spencerport was awarded $148,475 for canal access and parking improvements. The Village will make enhancements to an existing parking area that will increase and improve access to Lester Merz Park, the Erie Canalway Trail, and the Village’s downtown. In addition to enabling increased levels of parking, the area will have a park-like appearance with landscaping, greenspace, benches, and electric vehicle charging stations.
Homesteads for Hope Community Farm was awarded $150,000 for Historic Estate Restoration. To increase the organization’s capacity to serve more individuals and families, Homesteads for Hope Community Farm will preserve and rehabilitate a 200-year-old Estate Home. The renovation aims to create multiple classrooms, gathering spaces, a teaching kitchen, offices, and housing for apprentices. Homesteads for Hope is an inclusive community farm for individuals with and without disabilities to learn, work, live, and grow in a natural environment. It is located along the canal at 2185 Manitou Road in Ogden. For information, visit https://www.homesteadsforhope.org.
Other projects receiving funding include:
•Town of Macedon awarded $150,000 for Gravino Park Canal Access Improvements
•Buffalo Maritime Center awarded $140,410 for Gov. Dewitt Clinton’s 1825 Canal Boat Construction and Historical Augmentation
•City of North Tonawanda awarded $25,628 for Gateway Harbor Technology Enhancements
•City of Tonawanda awarded $136,026 for Erie Canal Scenic Overlook
•Stillwater Public Library awarded $100,000 for Library Renovation and Champlain Canalway Amenities
•Lockport Locks Heritage District Corporation awarded $150,000 for Historic Lock Tender Tribute Expansion.
Funding for this program was included in Round 12 of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative. A full list of Round 12 awards that have been made can be found at https://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2022-11/REDC_Round_12_Award_Booklet.pdf.
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