Dunkirk Receives $10 Million in DRI Funds for Downtown Revitalization

A shot of Point Gratiot Beach in Dunkirk, New York.Photo byPhoto by J.M. Lesinski

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced the approval of nine transformational projects in the city of Dunkirk, New York, as part of the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), which comes with a total award sum of $10 million. 

“New York’s downtowns are the heartbeat of our state, and the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs help us fulfill our commitment to uplifting communities in every region,” Hochul stated of the funding. “These projects in Western New York will help revitalize our beautiful downtowns and create more opportunities for New Yorkers to build thriving communities for future generations.”

Declared winner of the sixth round of DRI funding, Dunkirk’s projects each seek to strengthen the city’s connection to Lake Erie, as well as the revitalization of the local economy and reuse/redevelopment of historic downtown buildings.

“The City would like to thank Governor Hochul, for this incredible announcement,” remarked Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz of the funding. “The City of Dunkirk was profoundly grateful to be named the Western New York winner of the sixth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. For generations, Dunkirk's waterfront has been a source of pride and potential. Today, with this transformative investment, we will be able to harness the power of Lake Erie to create a vibrant destination that celebrates our unique heritage and diversity.”

The nine DRI projects in Dunkirk include the following: $500,000 for the renovation of the Dunkirk Macaroni Company Building, $473,000 to establish the Downtown Dunkirk Small Project Fund, $1,000,000 to update the Clarion Hotel Building and grounds, $900,000 to redevelop the Lake Shore National Bank Building, $2,200,000 to refurbish the Graf Building to House a Workforce Development Training Center, $2,000,000 to expand the City of Dunkirk Marina with new docks, $500,000 to construct new affordable apartments and an attached daycare facility on two sites, $1,000,000 to enhance the Chadwick Bay Marina with transient boat slips and amenities, and $1,127,000 to revive the Historic Adams Building to house arts and youth programming.

“Congratulations to the City of Dunkirk on these latest DRI projects that will be moving the city further down the path of transformation,” New York State Senator George Borrello commented of the funding. “The redevelopment of many existing buildings into a combination of market-rate and affordable housing, retail and child care facilities will ensure the city has the amenities it needs to spur much-needed workforce development. The hotel and marina improvements are investments in the area’s hospitality and tourism sector that will build on the city’s exciting waterfront redevelopment. My thanks go out to Governor Hochul for her support of our efforts to revitalize this historic city and make it a destination for both visitors and residents for generations to come.”

DRI investments are led by the Department of State, which aims to provide assistance to participating communities via development of a Strategic Investment Plan unique to each project, identifying areas prime for revitalization in the downtown areas.

“DRI funding will encourage Dunkirk’s potential using a comprehensive approach identified through the community’s Strategic Investment Plan process,” noted Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight of the funding. “With the targeted projects announced today, this shoreline city is on the path toward boosting its local economy, transforming its historic business district and activating its Lake Erie waterfront and harbor.”

Dunkirk officially joins the other DRI communities of Western New York, including Jamestown, Olean, Lockport, the Niagara Falls Bridge District, North Tonawanda, Buffalo's Broadway-Fillmore Neighborhood, and Tonawanda.

“The Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward are two of New York State’s preeminent programs for downtown renewal,” WNYREDC Co-Chair and Campus Labs Founder Eric Reich said of the funding. “The transformational projects announced today for Dunkirk, Wellsville and Lancaster after a year of strategic planning will strengthen and bring new activity to these vital Western New York communities.”