Gov. Kathy Hochul has plans for a new Regional Revitalization Partnership to benefit cities across Western New York.

The multi-year initiative brings together Empire State development, local governments and private charitable partners.

A total of $300 million in private and public funding will help disadvantaged neighborhoods in Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Rochester.

"This public-private partnership will be a catalyst for economic development throughout these communities, and will serve as a model for cities across the nation," Gov. Hochul said. "As we build back better than ever from the COVID pandemic, this holistic strategy will help lift up the most underserved neighborhoods in Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Rochester. New York State will continue to take bold action to transform communities and build a stronger, fairer future for all New Yorkers." 

The total investment for Buffalo is $180 million. That includes $37 million for the Broadway Market, $60 for the Central Terminal and other investments in areas like the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor.

"I thank Gov. Hochul for continuing our collaboration on the East Side with this innovative funding initiative that will drive $180 million to Buffalo neighborhoods and sites such as the Broadway Market, Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor, and MLK Park, I also thank the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation and the other private entities which are providing major investments on Buffalo's East Side," Mayor Byron Brown said. "These funds build upon and complement the investments my Administration has made driven by the input of residents and businesses on the East Side."

Niagara Falls will receive $40 million in funding. Some of the money will be used to boost food entrepreneurship at the City Market in Pine Avenue.

"This is an impressive, collaborative initiative that will amplify economic benefits beyond our downtown tourist district to reach into the City's neighborhoods by revitalizing assets with great potential like the City Market area as just one example," Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino added. "The projects and programs identified for Niagara Falls were strategically identified through a public process of listening sessions and virtual meetings conducted over the last year with community partners and local citizens. I thank Gov. Hochul, the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation and other private philanthropic partners who will work with the City of Niagara Falls to make these improvements a reality."

Some $5 million will be used for small business aid.

In Rochester, a combined $80 million could include major additional investments in the city's ongoing waterfront upgrades, including the ROC the Riverway and High Falls State Park projects. The money could also be used to expand workforce training programs and facilities as well as small business assistance in some of Rochester's most disadvantaged neighborhoods.

"I want to thank Governor Hochul, Empire State Development and our partners in the philanthropic sector for their continued investment in the people of Rochester and Western New York through the Regional Revitalization Partnership," said Rochester Mayor Malik Evans. "Community partnerships such as this are the best way to achieve long-term, permanent success as we seek to build wealth and strengthen economic conditions in our most challenged neighborhoods. The programs that we will advance through this partnership will play a major role in our efforts to create a safe, equitable and prosperous Rochester."