WADDINGTON -- The village of Waddington is set to receive $2.25 million for downtown projects as part of the NY Forward grant program.

Governor Kathy Hochul made the announcement today, April 24, along with 20 other transformational projects throughout the north country.

"The Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs provide vital support for New York’s downtowns," Governor Hochul said. "This funding for the North Country will help communities carry out their plans to enhance the quality of life for New Yorkers, draw visitors, and spur economic opportunity for generations to come."

Officials say that as a hometown destination, Waddington will become a walkable downtown, showcasing rich historic architecture while creating access to amenities  for residents, improving the visitor experience and expanding its eclectic mix of arts, cultural and retail offerings through continued public and private partnerships.

As part of the projects, officials say the community's vital connection with the St. Lawrence River will be enhanced through recreation, commerce and environmental stewardship to strengthen the economy.

The projects include a $1 million investment to transform the downtown streetscape to create a welcoming destination, officials say.

The streetscape project will "transform the Village’s gateway and streetscape along Main Street with improved walkways, landscaping, attractive design elements and the creation of a gateway feature to establish a welcoming and distinctive pedestrian friendly downtown environment."

An additional $200,000 will be used to establish a fund to advance down businesses and beautification, officials say.

The fund will be used to "establish a locally managed matching fund to undertake a range of smaller downtown projects such as façade enhancements, building renovation to commercial or mixed-use spaces, business assistance and public art."

For branding, $50,000 will be utilized to "develop a branding initiative that includes the development of a new village logo, slogan and marketing materials to promote Downtown Waddington as a destination."

The final $1 million will be used to renovate the historic Clark House to create boutique hotel accommodations and apartments.

The funds will be used to renovate the building to create an estimated 9-room boutique hotel on the 2nd and 3rd floors, including lobby, food service and meeting space in addition to the creation of four ADA-accessible, one-bedroom apartments, officials say.