Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Governor George E. Pataki today unveiled a public information campaign to provide a single source of news and information about Lower Manhattan for the people who need it. The centerpiece of the campaign is a comprehensive website, launched today and located at www.LowerManhattan.info, that offers regularly updated news and information for area residents, workers and visitors on topics including transportation and transit; health, safety and security; rebuilding plans and progress; assistance and incentives; community involvement opportunities; things to do; and Lower Manhattan history. Other components of the campaign include a newsletter, advertising and grassroots outreach.

"Our hope is that this campaign will meet the information needs of our citizens and visitors to the area through an unprecedented effort involving every level of government plus community organizations and the private sector," said Mayor Bloomberg. "If you are a business seeking assistance options, a resident concerned about environmental safety, or a new employee trying to plan your route to work, you can visit www.LowerManhattan.info and get answers to your questions."

"Information is crucial to the future of Lower Manhattan," said Governor Pataki. "Equipped with information that is current and reliable, residents, tourists and workers will be empowered to make informed decisions about building their future in Lower Manhattan."

"Since the founding of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation last fall, we have worked hard to get as much information as possible to the many constituencies involved in the rebuilding and revitalization of Lower Manhattan," said LMDC Chairman John C. Whitehead. "The task has been a daunting one with many organizations at all levels of government involved. This vastly expanded, highly efficient communications system will now provide everyone with a one-stop, round-the-clock site to access all the latest official news and critical information."

"The one year anniversary of September 11th is a time to commemorate, but we must also look to the future," said Deputy Mayor for Economic Development and Rebuilding Daniel L. Doctoroff. "Lower Manhattan's long-term recovery in large part will depend on the choices people make now. The more people know about Lower Manhattan the more likely they are to invest in the future of this vital community."

Following the events of September 11th, the information needs of businesses, residents and visitors about Lower Manhattan grew dramatically. In order to keep up with the flow of information, area employees, workers, residents, and visitors often have to comb through multiple sources to find what they need.

The website, www.LowerManhattan.info, provides Lower Manhattan-focused news and feature stories, as well as practical information culled from a variety of public and private sources. Special website features include an interactive transportation map covering all modes of transportation, a virtual tour of more than 60 Lower Manhattan sites, a user-friendly tool for navigating assistance and incentives programs, and an interactive timeline charting the rich history of Lower Manhattan.

The campaign will be promoted through grassroots outreach and advertising. Palm cards and posters featuring the distinctive "L" brand mark and tag line "LowerManhattan.info: Information to Build On" will be distributed throughout the area and at key commuter and tourist kiosks citywide. The advertising campaign will eventually expand to include outdoor and transit advertising as well.

Other components of the LowerManhattan.info campaign will roll out in the coming weeks. A monthly newsletter, for those without web access, will offer a mix of articles and practical information on life in Lower Manhattan, including event calendars, resource guides and "how to" features. An information packet for area workers is in development, as is a communications program designed expressly for the Chinatown community.

The campaign is made possible by funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and is being jointly administered by the Mayor's Office and the LMDC. Edelman Worldwide, a global communications firm, and Company 39, a global technology solutions firm, are coordinating the information campaign. Landor Associates, a leading worldwide branding consultant, developed the campaign's identity and brand look.