NORWICH – On Tuesday the City of Norwich unanimously passed a resolution authorizing its support of Commerce Chenango submitting an application to the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) program, which awards a $10 million grant to revitalize downtowns in New York State.

Commerce Chenango President/CEO Steve Craig presented to the city joint committees at its meeting on February 5, discussing Commerce Chenango's missions and its intent to apply for the DRI program on behalf of downtown Norwich.

The joint committees passed a motion to common council to support Commerce Chenango's application efforts, which was passed by the council Tuesday night.

The DRI initiative aims to transform downtown neighborhoods into vibrant communities where New Yorkers want to live, work and raise families. The winning communities are awarded $10 million to develop a downtown strategic investment plan and implement projects that advance the community's vision for revitalization.

During his presentation, Craig said past recipients of the $10 million DRI grant – such as Watkins Glen – were chosen because they demonstrated that their downtown was a good location for investment.