The state is helping the City of Lockport complete another step in its Locks District Redevelopment Plan. The Western New York Regional Economic Development Council has awarded an extra $615,000 for the "Flight of Five" restoration project.
The locks date to the 1840s.
"We think it's going to be a successful tourism draw," said REDC Co-Chair Jeff Belt.
"We see tourism as being central to all three of our strategies because so many entry level jobs, it creates so many opportunities for entrepreneurship."
Phase Two involves Lock 68. The restoration of two other locks was completed last year.
Once restored and operational planners expect the "Flight of Five" to draw 230,000 visitors and generate $17 million in spending annually.