Grant money secured for Canal Park

It was announced earlier this week that Newark will be one of several municipalities to share in nearly $315,000 in state grants for Wayne, Ontario and Seneca Counties.

"The Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) grants play an important role in providing for a better future for our parks and historic structures. These grants are designed to enhance both the natural and man-made environments of New York state," said Senator Michael Nozzolio.

The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) administered the EPF grants available to local governments and not-for-profit corporations for the acquisition and development of parkland, historic structures and heritage areas.

Newark will receive $30,000 to further develop the T. Spencer Knight Newark Canal Park. The 1.3 acre park will be enhanced by construction of a comfort station (rest room, showers) and an Interpretive Center, which will provide visitors with information of events, history, and locations of various Newark sites.

Jim Bridgeman, Newark's Operations Manager for Parks, Cemeteries, Water and Sewer, said Wednesday that the village originally requested $66,000 for the park. He was not certain which portions of the project had actually been approved by the state.

Bridgeman said that construction will take place on the east end of the north-bank park. He added that his department has set money aside to plant a flowering ground cover on the south bank, and plans to be part of a joint application with other municipalities for federal monies.

The park renovation has had a lot of community support, according to Bridgeman, but he said that more input is always needed.

Other Wayne County projects receiving grant money are:
Palmyra: Palmyra Marina ($50,000)

This project is located on the site of the original bed of the Erie Canal. A channel will be established to tie the downtown area to the current Barge Canal.

Sodus Point: Sodus Point Lighthouse ($17,325)

Funds will allow repair of the roof and first floor porch.

In Seneca County:
Seneca Falls will receive $65,000 for Waterfront/Business District Improvements. The funds will be applied towards rehabilitating the existing bandstand and streetscape improvements.

Ontario County:
Geneva will receive $50,000 for Lakefront Park and Access Improvement. This project is an extension of a previous lakefront park development. Work will include trail development, a handicapped accessible fishing site, an interpretive exhibit, lighting, landscape and signage.

Also in Geneva, the Smith Opera House will get $100,000 towards roof repair, storefront rehabilitation and tile floor repair.

Students receive Service Academies nominations

U.S. Representative Bill Paxon nominated five area students to attend the U.S. Service Academies.

Receiving nomination to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point are: Klint Phillips-Baker of Newark High School and Luke Santillo, a senior at North Rose-Wolcott. In addition to the U.S. Military Academy, Paxon nominated students to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, including Kristopher Brown, a senior at Pal-Mac, Andrew Carl, a senior at Newark, and Sarah Howard-Booth, a senior at Our Lady of Mercy High.

Nominees are chosen by community leaders, educators, elected officials and business leaders, several of whom are veterans of the armed forces. Each application is judged upon academics, athletic achievement, community service and commitment to the military.

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