Griffo announces funding for Massena Arena modifications

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 18, 2017

Contact: Alex Gerould – (315) 793-9072, or 
Email: gerould@nysenate.gov

MASSENA – State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-Rome, announced today that he has secured $250,000 in funding that will go towards making needed capital improvements to the Massena Arena.

The arena is home to a variety of youth-serving organizations, including the Massena Minor Hockey Association, the Red Raiders boys and girls hockey teams and the Massena Figure Skating Club. In addition to athletics, the arena also has hosted annual events such the Rod & Gun Club Sportsman Expo, Boys & Girls Club Extravaganza, the Shriner’s Circus and Massena High School’s graduation ceremony.

The 44-year-old arena is in need of repairs and is proving to be too costly to maintain. The funding secured by Sen. Griffo will address deteriorating and unsafe conditions of the facility’s roof, rink and entrance doors and bleachers. It also will help cover the cost of painting the arena’s exterior, install modern show controls and purchase new brine valves.

Overall, the improvements are expected to improve public safety at the arena, improve operating efficiency and will help to sustain the arena for years to come.

“The Massena Arena is an important recreational asset that helps to bring in visitors and tax dollars to Massena and the surrounding communities and adds to the region’s quality of life,” Griffo said. "As such, it is vital that we make sure this facility is up to date and that needed repairs are completed so that we can ensure that the arena has a strong future here in Massena. I was happy to have secured this funding, which I know will help the region prosper.”

“The arena, which was built as a community project, is an iconic facility that’s has played a significant role in Massena’s history,” said Timmy Currier, Village of Massena Mayor. “With Sen. Griffo’s support, this funding will enable us to make much needed capital improvements, enabling us to continue to provide the long standing and rich tradition of quality sports and entertainment here in Massena."

"Once again, Sen. Griffo comes through for his constituents," said Joseph Gray, Town of Massena Supervisor. "His support for the project at the Massena Arena will allow us to restore the building's integrity for many years to come. This arena was built through a grass-roots community effort almost 50 years ago and exists today as a shining example of shared services between Massena's town and village governments. In behalf of the Town of Massena, I thank the senator for his vision and leadership."