VESTAL, NY (WSKG) —Owego was awarded $10 million dollars as part of New York state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative, or DRI. Owego is in Tioga County.
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the various projects. They are meant to boost the local economy by attracting new businesses while strengthening existing ones, repair infrastructure, enhance recreational opportunities, and address the demand for affordable housing.
The money will go toward 17 projects. Specific projects include transforming a vacant lot on North Avenue into an art park with an interactive sculpture garden and amphitheater, and repairing a sanitary sewer line supporting mixed-use buildings on Lake Street.
Owego Mayor Mike Baratta said, "Owego is a village with a tight knit community. As we expand our economy and elevate the quality of life for our residents, Owego is only made stronger."
This is the third round of DRI awards since 2017. The DRI awards $10 million dollars to one municipality from each of New York's ten regional economic development regions.
Past awards have gone to Watkins Glen, Elmira and Oneonta.