OGDENSBURG -- Ogdensburg’s downtown waterfront core has a newly designated Brownfield Opportunity Area, according to an announcement from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office Monday.

“The designation of Ogdensburg’s Downtown Waterfront Brownfield Opportunity Area is an exciting achievement, and critical next step in revitalizing the City’s waterfront,” Ogdensburg Mayor Wayne L. Ashley said.

The area is about 330 acres along the St. Lawrence and Oswegatchie Rivers in the downtown core of the City of Ogdensburg.

The area is characterized by 158 brownfield and vacant sites. The primary community revitalization objective is to return brownfields and underutilized prime waterfront sites to productive economic use.

Key recommendations focus on projects within four redevelopment districts, the Diamond/Shade Roller District, the Marina District, the Fort de La Presentation District, and the Augsbury District.

Strategic public investment will help leverage new privately funded development and build momentum for the transformation of Ogdensburg’s entire waterfront, the announcement said. A $355,500 Brownfield Opportunity Area Program grant financed planning activities for the area.

Such a designation helps participants develop strategies to revitalize neighborhoods affected by dormant and blighted properties. Projects in these areas will be given priority status for grants. Project developers may access additional Brownfield Cleanup Program tax credit incentives, according to the announcement.

“The Brownfield Opportunity Area initiative is a tool that will help our community realize the potential of our waterfront brownfields as vibrant assets once again. It is a momentous occasion for our community and the North Country region,” Mayor Ashley said.