ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a $50 million state investment to redevelop along the Genesee River in Rochester.

Comparing the river to Buffalo's once-deserted and now bustling waterfront, Cuomo and Mayor Lovely Warren both said ROC The Riverway would consist of nearly 30 projects to transform an underutilized waterfront.

The projects include restoring portions of the Broad Street aqueduct, redesigning the Charles Carroll Plaza, which sits between the arena and river, and Genesee Crossroads Park, on the same side of the river, past the Sister Cities Pedestrian Bridge.

The overall goal of showcasing the river would lead to more jobs, housing, restaurants and other businesses in downtown, according to the governor.

Chamber of Commerce CEO Bob Duffy and Monroe Community College President Ann Kress were tabbed to lead the project, and private sector money still needs to be secured.

“It is an investment," Cuomo said. "I believe it’s going to reap dividends. The $36 billion we put up into upstate New York has been an investment and it is reaping dividends. It’s in the job growth, it’s in young people coming back and I think the same thing is going to happen here.”

The governor also spoke on several other topics including the budget, criminal justice reform, lowering taxes and standing up against sexual harassment.