By Steve Rawlings
Three WNY Villages Win State Funding Grants.
In a major boost for local development, Governor Huchel’s office announced three Western New York villages have been awarded a combined $19 million in state funding through New York’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and NY Forward programs. The Village of Cattaraugus was awarded $10 million in funding as the Western New York winner of the eighth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and the Villages of Westfield and Angola will each receive $4.5 million as the Western New York winners of the third round of NY Forward.
“Our state’s downtowns unite friends and families, and these investments will only help reshape neighborhoods to become more vibrant destinations for shopping, dining and living,” Governor Hochul said. “Through our Pro-Housing Communities Program, affordable housing opportunities will open up in neighborhoods across Western New York and local economies will thrive from these opportunities.”
To qualify for funding through New York’s DRI or NY Forward programs, municipalities must be certified under Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Communities initiative. The program allocates up to $650 million annually, with an additional $110.5 million proposed this year for infrastructure and technical assistance. So far, 287 communities have been certified.
in new businesses including Jenny Lee’s Feed Mill,
Rocket Cup Coffee, Restyle Hair Salon, Perky’s Market
The Village of Cattaraugus emerged as the standout, securing the $10 million grant. “The Village of Cattaraugus is deeply honored to receive the Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant, a transformative investment in our community’s future. This funding will enable us to revitalize our infrastructure, support local businesses, and enhance the overall quality of life for our residents and visitors,” said Cattaraugus Mayor Anthony Nagel. “We extend our sincere gratitude to Governor Hochul for recognizing the potential of our village and making this significant investment. With this grant, we are committed to preserving our heritage while fostering a stronger, more vibrant future for generations to come.”
In a statement released to the community, Mayor Nagel outlined the following projects:
- Water Infrastructure Project: Upgrading the existing water infrastructure as well as securing additional reliable water sources for the village.
- Modernization & Efficiency: Investments in technology and communications to streamline the operations and processes in the village office and Department of Public services.
- Local Law & Code Review: With the communities input, a review of existing village laws and codes, ensuring they meet the current needs of the community and residents.
- Bridge Repair: Working with the Town of New Albion, to look at solutions for restoring the Waverly Street Bridge, vital to emergency services and commerce.
In Angola, the re-opening of the historic Angola Theater — first opened in 1924 and closed since 2020 — will anchor efforts to breathe new life into the downtown area. Mayor Thomas Whelan hailed the funding as a vital tool to support small communities and local progress.
Westfield also plans to revitalize its village core, aiming to bolster local commerce and community life through strategic development.