In a statement released on November 21, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state Regional Economic Development Council announced the recipients of awards that will help promote smart, sustainable, and equitable community planning, development, and construction of projects that focus on accessible economic, community, environmental and recreational improvements in all New York’s regions.

“An investment in smart growth and sustainable community development is an investment that will pay dividends for generations to come,” Hochul said. “These programs are essential elements in the state’s bold, innovative efforts to create a more prosperous, equitable and sustainable future for New Yorkers of all backgrounds, incomes and abilities.”

YWCA Cortland was announced as one of the recipients of a grant from the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservations Environmental Protection Fund: Parks, Preservation and Heritage Grants for $444,484. Our Maintenance workgroup worked diligently on capital planning and identified priority projects to restore and sustain both the exterior and interior of the historic Randall House for 100 more years.

There is no start date planned as of yet but these projects are estimated to take a year and a half once the work has begun.