Six applicants from Niagara County have been awarded a portion of the $15 million distributed by Empire State Development earlier this week.
The grants, totaling around $1.5 million, were distributed to 19 projects across New York State on Monday as part of the 13th round of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative.
The successful applicants from Niagara County included the City of North Tonawanda, which received $750,000 for refurbishments at Memorial Pool in Payne Park; Radio Niagara, the yet-to-be-built entertainment center by TM Montante, awarded $400,000; and Artpark, granted $150,000 for an artistic light display to attract tourism during its low season. Other recipients were Old Fort Niagara, awarded $50,000 for advertising; the Aquarium of Niagara, allocated $100,000 for promoting its forthcoming Great Lakes 360 expansion; and Becker Family Farms, given $99,000 for a promotional campaign showcasing agricultural experiences and large events.
Funding for these projects was allocated from the ESD Grant Funds, Market New York, and the Environmental Protection Fund programs. Radio Niagara, Artpark, and the Aquarium of Niagara were flagged as priority projects.
In addition to these awards, Niagara County has been a beneficiary of several ESD grants over recent months, which were given to support projects such as feasibility studies for the Weatherbest Strip redevelopment; new storage tanks for Vizcarra Vineyards; facility renovations at Heart, Love, and Soul; a STEAM Center at the Challenger Learning Center of Orleans, Niagara, and Erie Counties; waterfont revitalization in the Village of Wilson; improvements to the Canal Dock in Middleport Village; a new boat launch and fishing pier at Mayor's Park in North Tonawanda; and a wind turbine assembly facility for Siva Powers America in Lockport.