This map shows $123,000 in proposed renovations along the Grasse River on Water Street.

By ANDY GARDNER

MASSENA -- The village will use a $123,000 grant from the Regional Economic Development Council to develop a portion of a vacant lot of Water Street across from Cornell’s Dry Cleaning, Mayor Tim Currier announced Tuesday.

“It will allow us to provide infrastructure and amenities down the Grasse River,” Currier said, adding he believes this is a piece of his overall goal in re-branding Massena as a tourist town.

“Massena is a ‘three river community’ and as we rebrand ourselves, we know we must improve the infrastructure and amenities near these rivers to enhance our opportunity to diversify our economy.”

The money will pay for construction of a pavilion, restrooms, parking lot, a trail leading easterly along the water (Grasse River) and a dock.

“In recent months, we have seen increased activity on that section of the river, specifically kayaking, and these improvements are intended to support some private investment that has occurred in that area and others which is being considered,” he said via email.