Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I-Sag Harbor) today announced that the East End will benefit from $2,906,750 awarded to six organizations and municipalities through Round XI of the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Initiative to support community revitalization and business growth.

The six awardees include:

• The East End Tourism Alliance was awarded $137,250 for the East End Al Fresco Tourism Marketing Plan. Funds will be used to host and promote themed activities and events that offer visitors, from diverse backgrounds, a wide range of opportunities to both celebrate and learn about Long Island’s extraordinary natural assets.

• The Long Island Science Center was awarded $1,120,000. Funds will be used to construct an iconic regional attraction with a planetarium/lecture hall, functional agritech and energy exhibits, and an “inventorium” MakerSpace to contribute to Long Island’s economy through family based regional tourism.

• The Peconic Land Trust was awarded $250,000 for the Widows Hole Restoration Phase II project. The Peconic Land Trust will continue to make improvements to strengthen the shoreline and revitalize the upland habitat at Widow’s Hole Preserve. The Trust plans to add accessibility features to facilitate beach access. The shoreline will be restored with a living shoreline to mitigate erosion and improve the natural habitat.

• Suffolk County was awarded $1,000,000 for the Mastic Beach Violets Cove Restoration Design project. Suffolk County, with the Mastic Beach Conservancy and the Gino Macchio Foundation, will plan and design for the restoration, preservation and accessibility to the Mastic-Shirley Conservation Area. The plan will support recreation, education, and environmental stewardship through an interpretive center, trail network, and a kayack launch. The project builds on the County’s prior awarded Blueway Trail and Brookhaven Local Waterfront Revitalization Program.

• The Village of Sag Harbor was awarded $279,500 for the John Steinbeck Waterfront Park Phase I Walkway. This project seeks to enhance public waterfront access and stimulate year-round economic activity and job creation in the downtown business district. The work will consist of the final design and construction of a 159-foot ADA accessible walkway along the Park’s shoreline overlooking Sag Harbor Bay and will provide connectivity with the adjacent Windmill Park and Long Wharf.

• The Town of Southampton was awarded a $120,000 grant for the Riverside Child Enrichment Center expansion project. The Town of Southampton will complete an expansion and renovation of a Town-owned building on Flanders Road in Riverside to provide enhanced space for early childhood programs offered by Long Island Head Start and the Children’s Museum of the East End. The initiative implements community goals envisioned by the Riverside Revitalization Action Plan to expand access to affordable childcare, support working families, and establish an art/culture anchor in the downtown.

Assemblyman Thiele stated, “These economic development grants represent a major commitment by the State of New York to take the lead in creating jobs and improving the economy as our communities continue to build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic. I congratulate the recipients chosen for this funding and I am pleased that the businesses and communities in my District will benefit.”