It is a pleasure to report that the Town of Tusten has received notification of a grant of $198,000 to replace the Little Lake Erie Bridge (technically a culvert). This funding is part of the BRIDGE NY program, which allocates federal funds for the purpose of aid for highway projects and is administered by the New York State Department of Transportation. I, on behalf of the Tusten Town Council, applied for funding in September, 2016 and just received notification of award on Sunday, January 15. Our project was selected through a competitive process and the funding awarded is equal to 100% of the estimate to replace the bridge. We expect that construction will begin this spring. We are pleased to be able to save Tusten taxpayers this expense as a result of the grant award. 

This was the week for awards. The Town of Tusten received several River Reporter readers’ choice awards. The Tusten Youth Commission was voted the Best Youth Group. This award comes at the time the Youth Commission Board has been meeting to plan the activities of 2017. This is not an easy task, so it is especially rewarding to receive this award. The Youth Commission calendar is beginning to fill with activities planned for each month. Thank you to the volunteers who keep this organization active and at the same time teach children the value of community.

Tusten also received the Best Renaissance award, while the Narrowsburg Beautification Group received the Best Civic Club award. It’s nice to know that folks have remembered the work of these volunteers even though the flowers are not in bloom at this time. Thank you to the volunteers of the Narrowsburg Beautification Group. 

While our heads are swelled with all these accolades, our many volunteers continue work and plan for the future. Thank you all.