Local Committee Finalizes Projects for $10 Million DRI Grant

JAMESTOWN – The Final Downtown Revitalization Initiative public forum was held on Thursday at the Willow Bay Theater in Jamestown. But despite being billed as the final opportunity to for the public to offer input on the projects that could receive $10 million in state economic development funding, the meeting actually focused on rolling out the tentative list, as selected by the local planning committee.

The Post-Journal is reporting that the DRI Local Planning Committee finalized the project list that will be submitted to state officials later this month.

Twelve downtown projects are recommended to receive funding. They

The final list of projects and projected funding amounts include:

• Hilton Double Tree Hotel refurbishment for $3,450,000;
• Revitalization of the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts for $1.5 million;
• Furniture Mart Building redevelopment for $1.5 million;
• Jackson Center upgrades for $1.5 million;
• Acquire riverfront development property to facilitate riverfront development for $1.4 million.
• Jamestown Brewing Company development for $1 million;
• Redevelopment of the former Key Bank Building for $1 million;
• Excursion train infrastructure and depot for $670,000;
• Streetscape and pedestrian improvements for $610,000;
• Downtown programming and activities for $600,000;
• Greater Jamestown Riverwalk enhancements for $325,000;
• Little Theater upgrades for $265,000;

Officials say the final 12 projects were narrowed down from an original list that included more than 80 projects, through the help of public input. The list will now go to the state for final review, with funding expected to be released later this year.