Falconer Mayor James Jaroszynski and Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund are pictured after a news conference Friday. Jamestown received a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award from the state while Falconer received a $4.5 million NY Forward grant.

Nine years ago, the city of Jamestown was one of the first municipalities included in a round of funding from the state under the Downtown Revitalization Initiative.

On Friday, it was announced that they would again receive funding from this initiative as a part of Round Nine, totalling $10 million.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced Friday morning that Jamestown was included in the award winners of Round Nine of the DRI, and that the village of Falconer was also awarded $4.5 million funding through the New York Forward program.

Hochul addressed some of the work done in the city with funding from the last time Jamestown was awarded DRI funds, including investments in places such as the National Comedy Center, Jamestown Brewing Company and Lucille Ball Little Theater. She added that the city has turned their $10 million into $57 million in investments.

“They’re just getting started, and they need a little more help to help them finish the vision,” Hochul said. “So that’s why I’m really proud to announce that Jamestown will receive $10 million in DRI funding to continue their momentum.”

Mayor Kim Ecklund and members of the city of Jamestown administration were in Buffalo for the announcement and to accept the award. Ecklund thanked Hochul and the other teams involved in the DRI program for their continued investment in Jamestown’s future, noting that the DRI funding will help with the city’s planned “Core to Shore” projects.

“Our first DRI enabled us to advance key projects and partnerships with state, local nonprofit and private sector stakeholders, leveraging $56 million in total investment from a $10 million award,” Ecklund said. “These investments transformed key properties, strengthened our downtown and enhanced public spaces, supported local businesses and expanded Jamestown’s cultural and economic footprint beyond our region.”

Ecklund said Jamestown is experiencing another strong momentum with projects and partnerships underway in all sectors. The new DRI funding will be used in the city’s “Core to Shore” plans to help strengthen the waterfront, and reflects a collaboration and shared vision for the community, Ecklund said. Ecklund also thanked City Development Director Crystal Surdyk, the Department of Development team, the Department of Public Works, Board of Public Utilities, Chautauqua County IDA, Gebbie Foundation, and the Chautauqua County Partnership For Economic Growth, and all of the city’s other partners.

“Jamestown has shown what is possible when vision, leadership and investment all come together,” Ecklund said. “Our first DRI award helped us transform our town. This new investment will help strengthen our downtown and our waterfront, but most importantly unlock the next chapter of opportunity for our city, driving continued investment, redevelopment and transformation.”

There are over 20 projects planned to fall under the new DRI funding for the city.

The village of Falconer’s funding totalled $4.5 million and the New York Forward award was accepted by Falconer Mayor James Jaroszynski. Hochul noted that the village had some “wicked fires” a few years ago and that they needed some help after that. The funding will also be used to rehabilitate some of the historic buildings on Falconer’s West Main Street.