(WKTV) - Governor David Paterson has announced the award of $14.9 million for Central New York as part of the third round of Restore NY grant program, with numerous communities in the Mohawk Valley seeing a portion of that funding.

The Governor made the announcement alongside various state and local leaders in Syracuse, which will receive $6.3 million for the Connective Corridor project to link Syracuse University with cultural institutions and Downtown.

The award is part of the $153.6 million in Restore NY Communities Initiative, which is administered by Empire State Development. The awards for 79 projects across the State will help revitalize urban areas, stabilize neighborhoods, and invite renewed investment.

"The Restore NY program is critical to our economic development, smartly leveraging private investment with State dollars so that we provide our neighbors with the resources they need to grow," Governor Paterson said. "With this third round of funding, our villages, towns and cities can move forward with renewal projects that create jobs and attract businesses and consumers."

The Mohawk Valley communities that are receiving funding towards projects include:

City of Oneonta - Bresee Block Redevelopment Project
Grant Total: $2,200,000

The City of Oneonta proposes to comprehensively revitalize the heart of the downtown area by implementing the Bresee Block Redevelopment project. This project includes the demolition of over 50,000 square feet of vacant, dilapidated buildings; restoration of the vacant, historic Bresee's Building to 1906 vintage; rehabilitation of two adjacent mostly vacant mixed use buildings; and development of supporting access and parking facilities. Project funding includes state City-by-City, state Capital Assistance Program and Community Development Block grants; city funds and in-kind services; and private financing. The project will create 11,800 square feet of new retail and commercial space; 27 new housing units; and parking for 75 cars. The project will support the recently completed Water Street Revitalization and Clarion Hotel and Conference Center projects, as well as the Foothills Performing Arts Center scheduled for completion this summer.

Village of Cherry Valley - 29 Main Street in Cherry Valley
Grant Total: $225,000

The project involves the renovation and restoration of the only vacant and abandoned mixed use building located on Main Street, in the historic Village of Cherry Valley. The building was erected circa 1856 and is approximately 6,400 square feet, including three floors and a basement. The goal is to return the structure to working form to offer space to businesses with local interests, thereby providing a much needed economic boost to the village. The project will provide commercial space on the first floor, two as well as housing units for local residents on the second floor. The building will have parking facilities.. The exterior facade of the building will be restored in keeping with the surrounding architecture. The intention is to employ local businesses for the project. Local contractors will be employed for project construction.

City of Rome - From Brown to Green Rome BOA Implementation Strategy
Grant Total: $1,690,000

This catalyst project, identified in Rome's Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) will rehabilitate three critical properties in Rome's downtown, bringing them from negative value to extremely marketable conditions. The Old City Hall building, located in the Bellamy-Gansevoort Historic District, will undergo exterior historic preservation, interior rehabilitation, and LEED certification, for future commercial uses. The Grand Hotel will undergo gut rehabilitation and energy-star rehabilitation to create modern residential and commercial space. The Nolan Building will undergo deconstruction, gut rehabilitation and reconstruction activities to provide flexible, energy-efficient commercial space. Supported by the City's comprehensive master plan, urban design plan, Main Street Development Assessment and the BOA nomination study this Restore NY initiative will energize our local tax base, leverage private investment and position Rome for prosperity in the new economy.

City of Utica - Genesee Street West Project
Grant Total: $2,125,655

The West side of Genesee Street in downtown Utica is in the heart of our targeted business district revitalization target area. The Genesee Street Corridor Improvement Project will assist (3) properties all located in the 100 and 200 block of Genesee Street. Genesee Street is the City of Utica's "Main Street" as it runs through the heart of the downtown and connects the residential area and the Utica Thruway exit of North Utica to the residential neighborhood in South Utica.

The City proposes to rehab three buildings that are all more than 50% vacant and unimproved. These include: the Winston Building rehabilitation of 3 floors of professional office space and 2 floors of loft-style residential space, 170-172 Genesee Street rehabilitation for the expansion of an existing software development company, and 180 Genesee Street rehabilitation for future commercial space.