Several Projects Receive High Regional Scores for 2016 CFA Process

JAMESTOWN – Several projects in downtown Jamestown have received favorable scores in the state’s Consolidated Funding Application process for 2016.

Earlier this month the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council (WNYREDC) submitted its 2016 Progress Report – entitled A Strategy for Prosperity – to New York State. The progress report details the council’s achievements in implementing its five-year strategic plan and reflects Western New York’s progress on efforts to ensure sustainable and long-term economic growth.

The report also recommends 32 priority projects to advance the region’s growth objectives, including six from Chautauqua County. These priority projects were announced in September and included the National Comedy Center’s Gap Funding project in Jamestown, with $1.5 million requested (the total cost of the project is $20.4 million).

And the report also scores dozens of other projects from across Western New York that have applied for funding but weren’t given “priority” status. These projects scored either a 20 (categorized at “other priority project”) or a score of 15 (“regionally significant priority project”).

Projects in downtown Jamestown receiving a score of 20 include the National Comedy Center, the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts Master Plan, and the Tracy Plaza renovation project.

Those receiving a score of 15 include the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation’s Stabilization plan for buildings located at 10-12 E. Second St, Phase II of the Winter Garden Plaza, Façade work at St. Luke’s Church, and the archives project at RTPI.

Downtown Jamestown projects that didn’t have a score listed include the Riverwalk Illumination Project, the JRC’s Up Close regional plan, and the Fenton Mansion ADA porch restoration.

To encourage the implementation of the Regional Economic Development Councils’ strategic plans and to continue to motivate investment opportunities and job creation, the 10 Regional Councils across the State are competing for up to $175 million in capital funds and $70 million in Excelsior Tax Credits for projects.

the 2016 funding award announcements are anticipated in mid-December.