Frankfort Marina to expand

FRANKFORT — A grant of more than $113,000 from the state’s Regional Council economic development initiative will help expand the Frankfort Marina.

The project, announced by the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council (MVREDC), will include the addition of campsites, recreational trails, improved fishing access, and a kayak and canoe launch at the marina.

“This is a great example of a project that enhances our region’s tourism industry by expanding upon our abundant natural and recreational resources,” Lawrence Gilroy, vice president of the MVREDC said. “Tourism and recreation are important economic engines in our region, and we are pleased this project is moving forward.”

In order to expand the marina, the village of Frankfort will purchase and develop underutilized land next to the marina which is located between the Mohawk River and Railroad Street and currently owned by the New York State Canal Corporation. Trail, fishing, and boat access construction will begin this fall.

The marina already features picnic areas, a boat dock with fueling station and access to the Erie Canal, open space for fishing and hiking, restrooms, laundry facilities, and a restaurant.

The 524-mile canal corridor generates about $380 million annually in tourism-related spending, Canal Director Brian U. Stratton said.

Last year, the state awarded a total of $785 million through its Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) process for job-creation and community-development projects consistent with each region’s strategic plans. As part of that process, the village of Frankfort received its grant through the Environmental Protection Fund, administered by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

To learn more about each regional council and their economic-development plans, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov.

Contact DeLore at tdelore@tmvbj.com