Some local leaders cheering over phase two of ROC the Riverway project

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Some local leaders are cheering over the state’s plan to help with a signature Rochester project, ROC the Riverway.

This past week, the governor promised to pitch in. Governor Kathy Hochul described the ROC the Riverway project as a comprehensive initiative to revitalize the Genesee River corridor downtown. The goal is to attract businesses and add more green space for the community. Phase one of the project began in 2018 which had 13 pieces.

Now in 2022, phase two has five that will focus on, a new state park, a renovated hotel, a visitor center, a reimagined aqueduct and a downtown partnership to attract more businesses.

"To hear the governor support it becoming a state park is going to be transformational for the area,” Assemblywoman Sarah Clark told News10NBC.

At High Falls within the Genesee River gorge, the governor says, that area has been restricted from public access for generations. This project would create the Rochester High Falls State Park. But, that’s not all. It will also reopen the former Riverside hotel on Main Street as a multi-use facility.

"I mean Niagara Falls is huge, and we have a huge falls in downtown Rochester and so few know about it. It will be an attraction to people coming in which will be huge for our downtown,” Clark added.

During a recent press conference, Mayor Malik Evans says he is "thrilled" to see Governor Kathy Hochul committed to a project in the city.

"These projects are central to the revitalization of downtown along the riverfront. I want to thank the governor for her commitment to Rochester with the dollars that she announced. I want to make sure that the progress we make continues to reflect our desire for Rochester’s community,” Evans said.

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello also recognized the project and other Rochester-based projects like the Inner Loop. In a statement, Bello said, "I’m grateful for her continued support of the Inner Loop north fill in project, ROC the Riverway and the aqueduct reimagined project which will create a central gathering point for our community."

Along with ROC the Riverway improvements, Governor Hochul also announced that the Broad Street Bridge, downtown is also in sights for renovations.