EVANS — The Town of Evans was recently awarded three grants totaling over $2 million through Round 14 of the New York state Regional Economic Development Councils’ 2024 Consolidated Funding Application process for three projects to promote recreation and tourism development.

The largest award comes from the Department of State’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Program in the amount of $1,368,321 for the Sturgeon Point Marina Docks Replacement and Reconfiguration Project with a total project cost of approximately $1.8 million. This project will include various improvements to the harbor, such as the installation of new, modern, adjustable floating docks to better accommodate the current and future boating market demands. The overall goal of the project is to attract more boaters and accommodate larger vessels, thereby enhancing the marina’s capacity as well as economic viability.

The Town was also awarded $603,583 from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation towards the completion of Phase Two of the John K. Thompson-South Creek Pool Project with a total cost of approximately $1.2 million. This project involves the demolition and reconstruction of the outdated pool house to provide greater accessibility and modern amenities for residents and visitors. The new state-of-the-art building will be approximately 1,800 square feet and will include new covered seating, bathrooms, locker rooms as well as room for storage, administration, and concessions.

Lastly, the Town was awarded an additional $50,000 from Empire State Development for the 2025-2026 Evans Waterfront Tourism Marketing Campaign which will build from existing marketing and tourism initiatives to broaden the Town’s reach and attract new audiences from across the Great Lakes region and beyond. The campaign will highlight the Town’s many waterfront and community assets, such as parks and business hamlets, growing short-term rental market, as well as the numerous public infrastructure improvements being made to enhance the attractiveness of the Town and support future economic and tourism development.

According to Town Supervisor Ray Ashton, “funding for these projects helps bring Evans another step closer to becoming a truly world-class waterfront recreational destination. We are very pleased that our partners in the state government recognize the potential of our town.”

To learn more about these and other projects in the Town, please contact the Evans Planning and Development Department at 716-549-0945 or visit our website at www.townofevansny.gov.