NEW YORK.- Governor George E. Pataki and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced a comprehensive allocation plan for the remaining Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) funds that will yield dramatic and long-lasting results for all of Lower Manhattan. Elements of the plan include funding for the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation, new community and cultural amenities, neighborhood rejuvenation projects including the revitalization of both waterfronts, and investments in Chinatown. The allocation plan realizes the Governor’s aggressive plan to transform Lower Manhattan into a mixed-use, 24-hour vibrant community first laid out in April of 2003 and updated every six months, and reflects the priorities of Mayor Bloomberg’s 2002 bold Vision for Lower Manhattan creating a downtown for the 21st century.

Governor George E. Pataki said, “We've made smart investments to ensure that Lower Manhattan is rebuilt as a thriving business district and strong residential community. This plan will help ensure Lower Manhattan’s long-term health and vitality by supporting planning, projects, and activities throughout downtown. These funds will go a long way toward improving the daily life of downtown residents, workers, and visitors. Our efforts will mean better streets and transportation, new parks and open spaces, more affordable housing, and an overall improved Lower Manhattan. Most importantly, this plan supports the construction of the memorial which will offer a profound experience to millions of family members and visitors. I want to thank Mayor Bloomberg for his shared vision for a renewed Lower Manhattan and his partnership in creating this funding plan. I look forward to working closely with the City, the LMDC, and the downtown community on its implementation.”

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said “In December 2002, I presented our Administration's vision for revitalizing Lower Manhattan and that blueprint has guided the redevelopment of the area over the last two and a half years. Today's allocation of over $800 million in Federal funds moves us further toward realizing every element of that vision as well as reclaiming Lower Manhattan as a hub of international finance and commerce. We are making investments in three key areas: improving transportation, creating new open spaces, and nurturing new neighborhoods here in New York's historic birthplace. Working together with Governor Pataki, we've taken long strides toward those goals and today's agreement shows the renewal of Lower Manhattan is moving ahead.”

LMDC Chairman John C. Whitehead said, “We began our process by listening to the public and contemplating how best to remember those we lost on September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993. The steps we have taken to this point, along with those we embark upon today, honor that shared loss in a substantial and inspirational way. With every project we fund, we are creating a living memorial, reflecting our determination to rebuild Lower Manhattan into a 21st century central business district and a thriving, 24-hour, 7-day community. This plan will fuel the resurgence of Lower Manhattan in every sense, making positive changes that will endure for generations.”

LMDC President Stefan Pryor said, “Today the Governor and Mayor provide us with a plan that reflects the public priorities that have arisen over three years of community input and discussion. This cogent and potent plan will fulfill our collective goals for a world-class business district and vibrant residential neighborhood. Lower Manhattan is thriving and, thanks to the leadership of Governor Pataki, Mayor Bloomberg, and Chairman Whitehead, its future is even more promising.”

The comprehensive allocation plan announced by the Governor and Mayor was guided by the LMDC allocation framework, public comment, and LMDC Board and staff input. On April 13, 2005, the LMDC released an initial draft framework proposing priorities and options for the allocation of its remaining funds. The Allocation Plan was guided by three years of public input including over 75 public meetings and tens-of-thousands of public comments. The revised framework, released today, has been amended based on further public input and will guide all future funding allocations.