FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Robert G. Ortt, Mayor

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January 25, 2012

Mayor Ortt Announces Over $686,000 in

Department of Interior Grant for City Marina

NORTH TONAWANDA— North Tonawanda's Mayor Robert G. Ortt announced today that the U.S. Department of Interior ("DOI") has awarded a total of $686,919 in Boater Infrastructure Grant funding for the City Marina located at 1000 River Road, adjacent to Gratwick Riverside Park.  This grant will be administered through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the investment funds will specifically be used for transient dock and bulkhead replacement, along with the construction of landside restrooms.

The City of North Tonawanda contracted with Applied Technology and Management ("ATM") in 2010 to conduct a market research, and to prepare a full feasibility study and cost benefit analysis for redevelopment of the marine property.  ATM developed two draft concepts that are intended to "maximize benefit to the community and create a safe and accessible destination along the North Tonawanda waterfront."

Undertaking the study has already paid dividends for the City.  North Tonawanda has been awarded $300,000 in funding from the Niagara County Greenway Committee and now $686,919 from the DOI.  Jim Sullivan, Director of the City Community Development Department and the staff of the Lumber City Development Corporation worked closely with ATM on applying for both sources of funding for this venue.

"This is great news for North Tonawanda.  This money will go a long way toward accomplishing the much needed renovations along our riverfront," stated Mayor Ortt. 

Mayor Ortt added, "When I ran for Mayor, I promised the people of NT that I would work to turn this vacant piece of property along our waterfront into something viable.  This money will help us realize that goal of bringing boaters and pedestrians to our waterfront."