Write a commentOswego was one of four cities in Central New York (121 applications in all) in the running for $10 million in funding from the state. Today Governor Cuomo announced that Oswego has been awarded the much needed funds.
The formal announcement was made at the Lake Ontario Conference Center in Oswego, NY, by the governor along with Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow. The Governor referred to the youngest Mayor to ever be elected as, “Old Man Barlow”. The crowd roared with laughter. Cuomo stated that only 10 out of 121 applications could take the first prize of 10 million dollars and that Oswego had done that with a great business plan.
Mayor Barlow has made it his goal to bring Oswego into the 21st century and unite the entire downtown, East to West, with revitalization projects all over the city. To help facilitate the projects, Barlow and the City applied to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI).
Oswego already has great momentum with neighborhood restorations through programs like the Oswego Renaissance Association. In process today is the city's oldest commercial building's renovation, known fondly as the "old Cahill's Fishery" to area residents who remember the days of commercial fishing in Oswego by former Oswego Mayor Bill Cahill and his family restaurant. With so many current projects like this under way, Oswego has the appearance of a perfect candidate for the state funding. Congratulations Oswego and thank you Mayor Barlow and staff!
Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I—Pulaski) released the following statement today after it was announced by the Governor that Oswego is the recipient of the $10 million Central New York Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant. The $10 million grants are being awarded to 10 municipalities throughout the state.
“I am thrilled Oswego will receive this funding. This will enable Mayor Barlow and city leaders the opportunity to invest in downtown and along the picturesque waterfront to create jobs, attract tourists, and improve the quality of life for residents. I am confident the city will make the most of this award and leverage this grant to the betterment of the local economy. Further, I am pleased that Oswego County received such an award and I look forward to seeing the planned development be built."
