Christmas came early for several major development projects in Chemung County, Steuben County and the Southern Tier.
New York state’s Regional Economic Development Council awarded over $453 million through various state agency programs on Dec. 23, funding transformative initiatives, economic development and housing projects across the state.
The Southern Tier was awarded $26.4 million that will support 27 projects in the region. Projects in the Elmira and Corning areas received a total of around $5 million.
A pair of studies in Elmira were funded, along with a new community center at Chapel Park in the town of Southport, support for the 75th anniversary of the Corning Museum of Glass, and expanded access to Keuka Lake in Hammondsport, among others.
Here is a description of each project, according to the REDC.
City of Elmira Strategic Investment Plan
Award: $50,000
Description: The City of Elmira will complete a strategic plan to identify investment opportunities for continued revitalization. The study will include geographic scope, anchor projects, and additional community assets. The ongoing revitalization of Elmira’s downtown is necessary for the region’s industry leaders to continue their momentum, compete in the economies of the future economy and attract talent. Southern Tier Economic Growth applied for the grant.
Chapel Park Community Center Redevelopment Project
Award: $675,000
Description: The Town of Southport will develop a new community center at Chapel Park. The project aims to enhance recreational and community services by providing a multi-use facility that includes a multifunctional room, restrooms, concessions, and several other amenities for various community activities. The center will serve as a vital hub for residents of all ages, offering year-round programs and events that promote community engagement and well-being.
Corning Museum of Glass
Award: $400,000
Description: REDC funds will help promote marketing and drive increased visitation by leveraging the 75th anniversary of the Corning Museum of Glass in 2026, highlighting unforgettable exhibitions, engaging experiences, special programming and the Glass Art Society conference, celebrating a legacy of glass innovation in Corning and inviting visitors to explore the magic of glass and the Finger Lakes beauty.
Chemung River Dam Feasibility Study
Award: $85,000
Description: Chemung County will complete a feasibility study focusing on the Chase Hibbard Dam on the Chemung River in the City of Elmira. The study will build off and implement the draft City of Elmira Local Waterfront Revitalization Program. The study will assess potential options that would increase safe access for boaters, anglers, and pedestrians in the area near the dam, including a proposed recreational fishing pier. The study will also consider options to reconnect migratory fish habitat with the installation of a new fish ladder.
Urbana Champlin Pier replacement
Award: $1,474,959
Description: The Town of Urbana will replace the deteriorated Champlin Pier with a resilient, ADA-compliant dock system. By expanding safe, equitable access to Keuka Lake and creating new launch capacity, the pier will attract seasonal boaters, strengthen tourism, and support local businesses in downtown Hammondsport. Enhanced public space and upgraded amenities will increase year-round recreational opportunities for residents and position Champlin Beach, and the Southern Tier, as a regional destination.
Village of Bath Water Main Replacement
Award: $2 million
Description: The Village of Bath will use $2 million in NYS CDBG funds to replace a water main. The village was also awarded $151,250 to launch the Arboretum and Accessibility Enhancement Project at Mossy Bank to restore the former hemlock tree staging area and improve access for all visitors.
What is the Regional Economic Development Council?
There are 10 Regional Councils, which are public-private partnerships made up of local experts, government, business stakeholders and non-governmental organizations. Members of the council collaborate to develop long-term investment and economic development plans. Each region competes for state resources based on its presented strategies.
The 2025 REDC Initiative Project will be supporting 381 projects statewide, $313 million to help advance regional strategic plans and state priorities, $60 million in Regional Council Capital Fund and $100 million from the Pro-Housing Supply Fund.
In a release, Gov. Kathy Hochul expressed her gratitude to the people behind the scenes involved in the REDC and their contribution to the state.
“The focused investments laid out in the locally designed plans will create investment opportunities that will help to build an enduring and successful future for all New Yorkers,” Hochul stated.
This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: $5 million awarded to push these Elmira, Corning area projects forward in 2026
Reporting by Kalyn Grant, Elmira Star-Gazette / Elmira Star-Gazette
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