Hochul Budget Plan Would Send Niagara Falls an Extra $6.2 Million

Niagara Falls could receive a significant boost in state aid under a proposal unveiled by Governor Kathy Hochul.

In her executive budget, Hochul is seeking $150 million in new assistance for municipalities outside New York City including a $100 million increase in Temporary Municipal Assistance If approved by the state Legislature, the funding would be distributed based on existing Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIM) formulas.

Under the proposal, Niagara Falls would receive an additional $6.2 million in state support.

Hochul said the funding is designed to help communities stabilize their finances.

“Having spent years in local government, I understand the unique challenges our local leaders are experiencing, which is why my administration has worked closely with municipalities across the state to increase financial support from the state,” Hochul said. “We want all of New York’s municipalities to succeed, and this funding is crucial to putting all of our cities, towns and villages on a stronger financial footing and allowing them to keep their residents safe and continue providing the vital services they rely on.”

The plan would triple the amount of temporary assistance available to cities, towns and villages outside New York City. Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Yonkers would each receive the maximum additional $10 million under the formula. Hochul is also proposing an extra $30 million set aside specifically for Buffalo due to their budget deficits, bringing the Queen City’s total to $40 million.

The funding request follows recent testimony before a legislative committee from municipal leaders across the state including Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino and Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan who sought increased support amid rising operational costs.

The governor’s proposal now heads to the Legislature for consideration.

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Hochul Budget Plan Would Send Niagara Falls an Extra $6.2 Million