The Peru Gazette

Additional $50 Million for Third Round Included in FY 2027 Budget

August 20, 2026 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that more than $38 million has been awarded to 49 projects across New York State through the County Infrastructure Grant Program. First launched in November 2024 and administered by Empire State Development, the program provides grants to support small- and medium-sized county-led infrastructure projects. To date, more than $74 million has been awarded to nearly 100 projects throughout the state. Modern infrastructure directly impacts New York State’s economic vitality, and the County Infrastructure Grant Program helps the state remain competitive and generate new economic growth, while supporting Governor Hochul’s bold housing agenda.

The North Country was awarded more than $3.7 million for six projects:

• Clinton County – $1 million: City of Plattsburgh – This project involves the redevelopment of the former Clinton Community College site. Funding will be used to plan, design, and construct essential water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure, as well as to implement road improvements required to make these parcels development ready for 96 units of planned workforce housing. Enhancements will improve access to the site while addressing aging utilities, limited sanitary capacity, low water pressure, stormwater constraints, and inadequate internal circulation that currently prevent redevelopment. 
• Essex County – $246,701: Town of Ticonderoga – Program funding will be used to upgrade sewer and stormwater systems on Champlain Avenue and McCormick Street to meet Department of Environmental Conservation standards. These infrastructure improvements will stop wastewater treatment plant overflows and expand the sewer district, directly paving the way for 60 new multi-family homes at Fireman’s Field Apartments. 
• Franklin County – $500,000: Town of Malone – Funding will be used to modernize the Franklin County Emergency Services’ infrastructure by replacing outdated radio equipment at the Reynoldson, Mount Pisgah, and Mount Morris sites. This project will eliminate Canadian signal interference and radio frequency overlaps, enhance response times, and ensure a reliable communication grid for public safety.
• Jefferson County – $1 million: Village of Clayton – This project involves the design and construction of vital utility extensions intended to support the development of up to 20 new workforce housing units. This grant directly finances the expansion of approximately 1,000 linear feet of municipal water and wastewater lines to the residential site. Funding will be used for engineering, heavy site preparation, grading, stormwater management systems, and a dedicated municipal access road essential to making the parcel build ready.
• Lewis County – $500,000: Village of Port Leyden – This project targets extensive civil work along West Main Street and Elm Street. Funding will be used for comprehensive roadway reconstruction, sidewalk replacement, and the installation of a brand-new storm drainage system. By layering these surface and drainage improvements directly over the freshly completed waterway installation, the county eliminates duplicate excavation and mobilization costs. This synchronized approach dramatically lowers deployment costs and protects the long-term structural integrity of the newly laid pavement. These enhancements will modernize Port Leyden’s urban corridor through enhanced drainage, dedicated walkways, and improved vehicle lanes, reinforcing the village’s commercial zone and providing a durable foundation for surrounding private investments.
• St. Lawrence – $500,000: City of Ogdensburg – This project includes the construction of a new, heavy-duty covered pavilion and a centrally located, ADA-compliant restroom facility at Morrisette Park. These additions will directly resolve longstanding structural deficiencies at one of the city’s most heavily frequented recreational assets. Enhancements will address the park’s severe utility and facility gaps by establishing a permanent, weather-protected gathering space and modern sanitation infrastructure allowing for ease of access by seniors and individuals with mobility limitations. This civil project transforms the park into a fully inclusive, accessible hub for all visitors. This structural investment secures the park’s capacity to host large-scale community events and long-term waterfront recreation.