Rome Receives $10M in State DRI Funding for Downtown Revitalization

Mohawk Valley city to transform historic waterfront into vibrant neighborhood

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:09pm

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A minimalist illustration using bold geometric shapes and primary colors to conceptually represent the economic revitalization of historic downtowns in the Mohawk Valley region.State investments aim to transform historic downtowns in the Mohawk Valley into vibrant, connected neighborhoods.Rome Today

The city of Rome, New York has been awarded $10 million in funding through the state's Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), while the city of Utica and village of Morris will each receive $4.5 million through the NY Forward program. The investments aim to boost the local economy by revitalizing the downtowns and neighborhoods of these Mohawk Valley communities.

Why it matters

This funding represents a significant opportunity for Rome to build on previous progress and transform its historic downtown and waterfront areas along the Mohawk River and Erie Canal. By aligning with the state's Pro-Housing Communities Program, the investments are also expected to spur housing growth and development in the region.

The details

The $10 million DRI award for Rome will focus on the city's Brownfield Opportunity Area, where the former General Cable Complex and East Rome neighborhoods converge along East Dominick Street. The plan aims to reconnect neighborhoods, businesses, and waterfront destinations, creating a vibrant mixed-use district. In Utica and Morris, the $4.5 million NY Forward awards will support similar revitalization efforts in their downtowns.

  • The DRI and NY Forward funding was announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul on April 11, 2026.
  • Rome previously received a Round 2 DRI award, building on progress in its downtown corridor.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York, who announced the DRI and NY Forward funding for the Mohawk Valley region.

Jeffrey M. Lanigan

The Mayor of Rome, who stated that the $10 million DRI award is a "transformative investment" and a "defining moment" for the city.

Ben Walsh

The Director of the New York State Canal Corporation, who said the investments will help Rome and Utica continue to revitalize their historic waterfronts and neighborhoods.

Joseph A. Griffo

A New York State Senator who recognized the challenges facing local governments and stated that the funding will enhance and strengthen these communities.

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What they’re saying

“DRI and NY Forward unlock opportunities for our municipalities to engage their communities — this funding is what drives creativity and brings New Yorkers together.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York

“This $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award is a transformative investment in the City of Rome and a powerful affirmation of our vision for a vibrant, thriving downtown.”

— Jeffrey M. Lanigan, Mayor of Rome

“By aligning the Canal Corporation's work with Governor Hochul's Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward, we're helping Rome and Utica — two landmark Canal cities — continue to revitalize their historic waterfronts and neighborhoods so they can be even more vibrant destinations for people live, work and visit.”

— Ben Walsh, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation

What’s next

The city of Rome will begin implementing its DRI plan to transform the Brownfield Opportunity Area and East Dominick Street corridor, while Utica and Morris will develop their own revitalization strategies using the NY Forward funding.

The takeaway

These state investments in the Mohawk Valley region demonstrate a commitment to supporting the economic and community development of historic cities like Rome, Utica, and Morris. By aligning with the Pro-Housing Communities Program, the funding is expected to spur housing growth and create more vibrant, livable downtowns.