The intersection at Central Avenue and Lake Shore Drive will get a face lift after the city of Dunkirk received a $50,000 state grant. Photo by Nicole Gugino

DUNKIRK — Everything is connected when it comes to Dunkirk’s recent grant funding. Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas announced recently that the city received a half-million dollar grant award that will build on its other plans.

“The $500,000 grant is very exciting news. It really came unexpectedly. Planning and Development Director Rebecca Yanus put in a proposal for it, I met with Assemblyman (Andy) Goodell, we submitted paperwork and I received notice (Monday) that we were chosen to receive the funds. That’s a good thing because we can incorporate that with the other major project we are undertaking as part of our Smart Growth funding,” Rosas said.

Last year, the city was awarded $2.5 million in Smart Growth funding which will be put toward pier and bike path improvements and the “Central Connection,” which will bring together the city, SUNY Fredonia and the village of Fredonia.

“The city of Dunkirk has received $50,000 from the New York State Department of Transportation to create a more pedestrian-friendly crosswalk at the intersection of Central Avenue and Lake Shore Drive. We’re very excited to create a safer and more attractive entrance way to our pier, harbor and marina. Funding will build upon our pier improvements project and our Central Connections project that we are currently working on. This will be a major step in the right direction for all types of transportation in the city of Dunkirk,” Rosas said, thanking Goodell and Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Rosas said in addition to safer crosswalks, the city would like to utilize its engineer for the Smart Growth project, Barton & Loguidice, to design a more attractive intersection, while also improving what is there like the lighthouse design on the roadway.