MASSENA – New York State Senate Deputy Minority Leader Joseph Griffo, R-Rome, visited Massena Sunday to check on the progress of several projects for which he secured funding.

Deputy Minority Leader Griffo secured $250,000 for capital improvements to the Massena Arena. The project included the replacement of the entire arena roof and work to the parking lot. He also secured $300,000 for rehabbing the parking lot behind Massena Town Hall and across from the Massena Fire Station. The top coat for the parking lot is expected to be applied later this month.

Griffo was joined by Massena Town Supervisor Steve O’Shaughnessy, Village Mayor Timmy Currier and other officials.

“I was pleased to have been able to secure important funding that will help to improve Massena’s infrastructure and update a regional recreational asset,” Deputy Minority Leader Griffo said. “These projects will help to enhance the quality of life for Massena residents, while also helping the community to grow and prosper.”

“I would like to thank Deputy Minority Leader Griffo for his continued support of the Town and Village of Massena,” O’Shaughnessy said. “In reviewing the projects supported by Deputy Minority Leader Griffo, it becomes very clear that he truly cares for the North Country. Due to Deputy Minority Leader Griffo's perseverance, the much-needed roof of the Massena Arena has been replaced and Massena is ready for ‘ice season.’ The Deputy Minority Leader was able to obtain full funding for parking areas off Andrews Street and this will be a great addition to the attempts of the town and village to revitalize the downtown corridor. We appreciate Deputy Minority Leader Griffo’s efforts to provide viable projects that truly enhance our community.”

“We appreciate the Deputy Minority Leader’s consistent support in our efforts to improve Massena,” Mayor Currier said. “These projects, the enhancements being done at our historic arena and parking lot upgrades in our downtown core, are vital to Moving Massena Forward, and we look forward to showing Deputy Minority Leader Griffo the progress being made.”

The visit to Massena was one of several stops the Deputy Minority Leader made in St. Lawrence County on Sunday.

Other stops included a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new pavilion at the Tri-Town Community Center in Brasher, a visit to Kaneb Orchards in Massena, St. John's Episcopal Church in Massena to present a proclamation honoring the church's 150th anniversary and a tour of LC Drives on the Clarkson University Campus in Potsdam.