During a press conference at Niagara Falls State Park on Monday, December 18th commemorating the opening of a $46 million welcome center, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced multiple additional grants being directed toward Niagara Falls.
First, the state revealed a funding plan, in the form of a $4 million grant via the Empire State Development-managed fund, aimed at a $8.5 million restoration project of the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center. This facility is situated inside the old Niagara Falls High School at 1201 Pine Ave. This undertaking aims to rejuvenate the 1,000-seat auditorium at the center, rendering it suitable for current live events.
Second, the state confirmed a commitment of $2.25 million for a $2.5 million project targeting the renovation of several vintage buildings within the Oakwood Cemetery at 763 Portage Road. This task includes restoration work on the cemetery's chapel, constructed in 1877, and the Green & Wicks marble mausoleum built in 1913 and the Stone Office set up in 1922. Eventually, all these edifices are envisioned to serve as venues for heritage tourism happenings in sync with the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area. The cemetery, founded in 1852, encompasses 18.5 acres within the heart of Niagara Falls. Housing 22,000 graves, it holds historical figures such as Annie Edison Taylor, known as the initial individual to go over the falls in a barrel, and the renowned Schoelkopfs connected to the hydroelectric power industry.