Nozzolio Announces $350,000 Epf Grant For Geneva Recreation Complex

Albany- Senator Michael F. Nozzolio (R-Fayette) today announced Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) grants for recreation and preservation projects in Ontario, Wayne and Seneca counties. Among the awards is a $350,000 grant to enclose the Geneva Recreation Complex in Geneva.

“The Geneva Recreation Complex greatly enhances the quality of life in Geneva and it was a pleasure for me to work to secure this critical state funding to enclose the ice rink, allowing Geneva’s residents to enjoy the facility year round,” said Senator Nozzolio. “These grants represent New York’s continued commitment to supporting local projects that enhance communities across New York State.

With the $350,000 grant, the City of Geneva will enclose the Geneva Recreation Complex using donated glass to expand and improve the use of one of the most popular recreation facilities in the Finger Lakes region. The existing ice rink and multipurpose pavilion is an open air facility that operates 18 hours a day between October and March, and 12 hours per day between April and September. Adverse climatic conditions, particularly in the winter months, will be eliminated by these improvements.

Since 1995, the State Environmental Protection Fund has provided nearly $1.3 billion in State assistance for more than 4,700 projects that protect and enhance the quality of New Yorks natural resources. More than $87 million has been invested in EPF grants administered by State Parks to support 745 municipal open space, recreation and historic preservation projects in communities across New York State. The Department of State's Division of Coastal Resources has administered more than $80 million for 775 EPF LWRP grants during that time.

In addition to the grant for Geneva, other awards include:

Seneca County

Women's Interfaith Institute in the Finger Lakes, Inc. - $32,348
The Institute will make improvements to the historic First Wesleyan Church building in the Seneca Falls Heritage Area. Restoration of this historically significant building, associated with the first Women's Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, is vital to its preservation. The Institute will replace and rehabilitate windows and doors and comply with ADA accessibility standards.

Wayne County

Wayne County Historical Society, Inc. - $13,318
This project will rehabilitate the interior of a circa 1937 former "Pure Oil" Gas Station that retains much of its original exterior architecture. The building is currently vacant and requires moderate interior renovations to convert the structure into a combination Visitors Center, museum gallery and conference space. This multi-function will highlight the cultural and natural resources available within the Western Erie Canal Heritage Corridor.

Wayne County - $75,000
The Counties will complete restoration efforts at the H.G. Hotchkiss Essential Oil Company Plant located in the Village of Lyons. This unique facility is located on the original Erie Canal alignment and served as the central facility for the essential oil manufacturing industry in Wayne County during the 19th and 20th centuries. Once completed, the building will offer expanded museum facilities that will highlight the Village of Lyons' international prominence in the essential oil industry, and will complement the NYS Canal Corporation's Erie Canalway Trail project. The project will include restoration of foundation, roof, front parapet, windows and doors, interior flooring, and the storefront.