Grisanti announces $250,000 in funding for Town of Evans

Improvements will address environmental, public safety concerns

State Sen. Mark Grisanti, R-I-60, announced Monday he secured funding for the Town of Evans that will be used for environmental, public safety and parks and recreation projects that will enhance and improve conditions in the community, while at the same time accomplish budgetary relief and increase efficiency.

Among the highlights are $100,000 for environmental cleanup efforts by dredging Sturgeon Point Marina and $150,000 to help purchase a watercraft for the Town of Evans Police Department.

 "As chairman of the Senate's Environmental Conservation Committee, I am particularly pleased to help secure funds for the dredging of Sturgeon Point Marina to help with ongoing cleanup efforts of the environment," Grisanti said. "In addition, we are providing assistance to the town's police department with these funds. The residents of the Town of Evans will directly benefit from these projects."

"This funding by the State Legislature secured by Sen. Grisanti reinforces the initiatives of shared municipal service," said Evans Town Supervisor Keith Dash. "Sturgeon Point Marina is one of the jewels of the Town of Evans that has received funding to enhance the harbor through dredging. This will positively benefit the commercial and recreational use not only for town residents, but for the entire public. As a consistent port of entry, a new police boat to replace a 24-year-old vessel will add to homeland security, safety and public service. Sen. Grisanti is to be commended for his consistent support."

"We are very excited that Sen. Grisanti was able to assist us in replacing our 24-year-old watercraft," said Town of Evans Police Chief Ernest Masullo. "This upgrade will allow us to enhance the safety of town residents as well as the visitors to our community, especially during the summer months. We are ecstatic about our new vessel and I applaud the senator for his attention to this matter, going so far as to personally call me twice with updates on our request. Public safety in the Town of Evans is obviously a concern of his, and it is satisfying to see that our representative in Albany responds to requests from his constituents and is willing to work with officials from the municipalities he represents."

"During a year when water levels were slightly lower, the Sturgeon Point advisory board would like to acknowledge the hard work done by Sen. Grisanti in securing funding to do additional dredging at the marina," said Frank Rademacher, Sturgeon Point advisory board chairman. "The marina water ways remained clear for the entire season, and a good boating season was had by all who used our marina. We thank the senator for his efforts." 

Grisanti said he believes the investments made with each project will result in immediate improvements to the Town of Evans and the surrounding communities.

"These projects will improve the quality of life for residents and will help enhance the area," he said. "By making the region a nice place to live, work and play, we will also encourage more people to visit the neighborhood, which will assist the many local businesses in Evans, including the Derby neighborhood and the Village of Angola's central business district. I am pleased to help the Town of Evans complete these valuable improvement and maintenance projects for their residents."