Projects in Massena, Louisville, Waddington, Canton and Potsdam will receive more than $350,000 in grants and loans from the St. Lawrence River Valley Redevelopment agency.

Clarkson, St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, Louisville and the villages of Massena and Potsdam all received funding for projects.

The largest chunk, $93,000, went to Clarkson University. The funding will be invested in facilities to transform currently unusable space into a manufacturing environment for start-up companies to drive employment and economic growth.

Village of Massena was awarded $75,000 to assist in establishing a downtown revitalization fund called “Heart of the Community.” The fund will be used to assist and incentivize the attraction, retention and expansion of businesses downtown.

The Business Development Corporation of Massena will receive $66,250 loan for the continuation of the Massena Industrial Park Rail Access project. The loan will assist in expanding the rail spur trans load pad and paving a portion of the pad with heavy-duty concrete pavement. Companies have expressed interest in utilizing the spur to its fullest if equipped with a stable, concrete platform.

St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce was awarded a $34,390 grant to launch an four-season trail mapping website, mobile app and marketing materials to promote the Adirondack/Seaway Trails. The marketing tools will provide descriptive information on trailheads, boat launches, facilities available and way-finding instruction so that residents and visitors can access, enjoy and respect the environment by remaining on the established trails.

Town of Louisville will receive a $49,000 grant to replace 30-35 year old playground equipment at the Community Center, which hosts many events throughout the year, attended by many local families and visitors.

Waddington was awarded a $77,000 grant to improve and enable adaptive reuse of the old town hall, whereby the community will ensure public access and maximize useful space in this historic downtown structure.

Potsdam Village will receive a $50,000 grant to assist in the rehabilitation of the Cross-Town Canal, a century-old component of the village’s storm water sewer system. The proposed project will improve the canal’s capacity to hold and carry storm water through the elimination of impediments to the flow of run-off.

Applications were accepted from February until mid-April. Eligible applicants include communities and not for-profit organizations in St. Lawrence County that are planning to undertake a project that will provide a clear and demonstrable economic, community or environmental benefit.

St. Lawrence River Valley Redevelopment Agency Chairman Robert McNeil comments on the awards, “Over the past six years, the Community Development program has committed over $3 million in funds to local projects throughout St. Lawrence County. Prior to the formation of the St. Lawrence River Valley Redevelopment Agency, and our partnership with the St. Lawrence County IDA, these funds were not available to support our communities, our institutions and the many wonderful projects we’ve been able to support.