Two North Country municipalities are set to receive millions of dollars through two state programs known colloquially as the “Hunger Games.”

The village of Malone will get $10 million in redistributed tax dollars through a reimbursement process from various state agencies for completed development projects under the eighth round of New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative.

Meanwhile, the village of Gouverneur in St. Lawrence County will draw $4.5 million through the third round of a similar state tax dollar redistribution program known as NY Forward.

Governor Kathy Hochul made the announcements Friday, March 14.

“On behalf of the Village of Gouverneur, I would like to thank Governor Hochul for this opportunity. This NY Forward Grant will be such a benefit to our community and we look forward to revitalizing our downtown,” Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall said.

Village of Malone Mayor Andrea Dumas was also pleased with the announcement.

“On behalf of the Village of Malone, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the announcement of the $10 million DRI grant award,” Dumas said.

“This investment represents a significant moment for our community and reflects the cooperative spirit of our residents, business community, and local organizations that supported our application,” said the Malone mayor. “Having applied in Round 7 and not giving up, this victory proves that persistence does pay off! We extend our sincerest thanks to the Regional Economic Development Council for having faith in Malone's potential and moving our vision of a revitalized downtown forward. This funding will leverage meaningful projects that create new economic opportunities and enhance community engagement. This award isn't just financial support—it's a vote of confidence in Malone's future, and we're committed to making every dollar count for generations to come!”

Both communities have been hard hit economically over the past couple decades, and empty storefronts, papered over windows and crumbling bricks in the downtown areas attest to the decline of two North Country communities that were once busy economic centers in the 1960s and 1970s.

“The Village of Malone’s downtown sits at the heart of a commercial district that is listed on both the State and the National Registers of Historic Places, with a built environment boasting a timeless charm that embodies all the nostalgic elements of Main Street America. Wide cobbled sidewalks are flanked by welcoming storefronts tucked neatly under second and third stories articulated with unique prewar detailing. The downtown also includes Arsenal Green Park, Veteran’s Memorial Park, Mill Park, and the Salmon River riparian corridor, providing natural elements and public spaces that complement the commercial activity of Main Street. The Village seeks to become a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood that is home to a growing number of residents, prosperous locally owned businesses, strong civic institutions, a thriving cultural scene and accessible outdoor recreation opportunities along the Salmon River,” said a press release from the governor’s office.

“The Village of Gouverneur is a charming historic community located along the Oswegatchie River. The Village embodies the feel of community with a beautiful downtown and park area. The Village is home to many festivals and events, including the St. Lawrence County Fair, that entertains residents and attracts visitors from across the region,” the governor’s office said in a press release. “Gouverneur will capitalize on its historical charm, vibrant and expanding downtown business community, safe, friendly, and walkable environment and its proximity to major regional employers to enhance quality of life, strengthen resilience and increase economic opportunities for both current and future residents. Additionally, Gouverneur aims to attract visitors to experience its rich recreational, cultural and retail assets, positioning the village as a regional destination.”

Malone, and Gouverneur will now begin the process of developing a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize their downtowns, the governor’s office said. A Local Planning Committee made up of municipal representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders will lead the effort, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The Strategic Investment Plan will guide the investment of DRI and NY Forward grant funds in revitalization projects that are poised for implementation, will advance the community’s vision for their downtown and that can leverage and expand upon the state's investment.

The North Country Regional Economic Development Council conducted a thorough and competitive review process of proposals submitted from communities throughout the region and considered all criteria before recommending these communities as nominees.

For Round 8 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and Round 3 of the NY Forward Program, each of the State’s 10 economic development regions are being awarded $10 million from each program, to make for a total state commitment of $200 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods.

“My goal for New York is to help transform downtown areas across the state into vibrant, thriving hubs. This funding will support new housing, attract businesses, and create public spaces that enhance quality of life,” Hochul said. “By revitalizing these communities, we are strengthening local economies, creating more opportunities for growth, and ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for the North Country.”

To receive funding from either the DRI or NY Forward program, localities must be certified under Governor Hochul's Pro-Housing Communities Program — an innovative policy created to recognize and reward municipalities actively working to unlock their housing potential. Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Communities initiative allocates up to $650 million each year in discretionary funds for communities that pledge to increase their housing supply; to date, 287 communities across New York have been certified as Pro-Housing Communities. This year, Governor Hochul is proposing an additional $100 million in funding to cover infrastructure projects necessary to create new housing in Pro-Housing Communities, and a further $10.5 million for technical assistance to help communities seeking to foster housing growth.