NY Forward Program
Program Overview
The NY Forward program is focused primarily on revitalizing New York's smaller, rural villages. In the second round of this program, Cayuga, Union Springs, and Aurora EACH have the opportunity to receive a grant of up to $4.5 million for revitalization projects.
Village of Cayuga 2023 Application
The Village of Cayuga submitted their application for Round 2 of the NY Forward Program on September 29, 2023 with a total of $8,272,000 for 15 proposed projects.
Vision Statement:
“The Village of Cayuga will be a community that provides the best quality of life for its residents and a unique visitor experience by capitalizing on the beauty and history of its location on Cayuga Lake. Cayuga will leverage its quaint, historical, waterfront-village charm to support its residential diversity and attract neighborhood-scale commercial activity. In cooperation with the private enterprises and public agencies, Cayuga will offer boaters, fishers, eco-tourists, and the general public a unique, memorable, and joyful experience on both its land and water.”
Village of Union Springs 2023 Application
The Village of Union Springs submitted their application for Round 2 of the NY Forward Program on September 29, 2023 with a total of $7,580,000 for 15 proposed projects.
Vision Statement:
“The Village of Union Springs will become recognized as one of the most attractive and desirable areas in Central New York and the Finger Lakes. The preservation of community character and natural resources will be balanced with economic and cultural development. The Historic Business District will be a bustling center of commerce that serves both the residents of the community and tourists year-round, complementing the activities and natural areas all along the waterfront.”
Village of Aurora 2023 Application
The Village of Aurora submitted their application for Round 2 of the NY Forward Program on September 29, 2023 with a total of $6,556,000 for 13 proposed projects.
Vision Statement:
“The Village of Aurora will continue to embrace the historical, cultural, and natural significance of its properties to create an ideal quality of life within the lakefront community. By remaining resident-focused and inclusive, the village will create an environment that encourages the introduction of new community members. Through its cooperative spirit, renowned hospitality, beautiful neighborhoods, and welcoming institutions, the village, and its various business establishments and community organizations, will provide distinctive experiences for visitors. By maintaining those qualities, the village will create a community welcoming of commercial activity while encouraging sustainable development.”
Row buildings along Main St. in the Village of Moravia.
Success Story: Village of Moravia
The Village of Moravia in southern Cayuga County was awarded a $2.25 million in the first round (2022) of the NY Forward Program. Their application included eight public sector projects and ten private sector projects focusing on commercial façade improvements, interior renovation, business expansion, upper floor activation (including loft apartments), and other repair work. Prior to receiving grant funding awards for individual projects, the village must submit a Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) for the downtown revitalization area. The SIP includes an updated list of proposed projects. Once the SIP is submitted to the state, the state will select the final projects to receive grant funding.