The appropriation, included in the state's 2000-2001 budget for the Strategic Investment Program (SIP), will be  used for the complete restoration of Graycliff's garage and servant house, and for re-roofing the main house and repairing the chimney.  The Graycliff Conservancy estimates total costs for these projects at $801,000.

Assemblyman Smith said, "Without question, the importance of the Graycliff Estate to the residents of my Assembly District is tremendous.  The beauty of this lakeside property highlights the wonderful assets we have right here in Southern Erie County.  I am proud to secure this $500,000 in SIP funding for a real jewel among the works of Frank Lloyd Wright."

This half-million dollar grant was preceded in February by another state grant -- $145,000 from the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act.  Both will be applied to the $801,000 restoration expense.

The state funding, according to Carol Bronnenkant, Graycliff Conservancy president, will help ensure that Graycliff's overall $2.5 million restoration plans stay on track.  "Assemblyman Smith has been working with the Conservancy since our efforts to save Graycliff began in 1997," she said.  "We are dedicated to completing the restoration as quickly as possible.  This funding is critical to achieving that goal, as part of a larger community effort to promote Western New York as a major heritage tourism destination.

"We are honored to receive this vote of confidence and are grateful to Assemblyman Smith and the Western New York Delegation for their strong support on our behalf."

Town of Evans Supervisor Robert R. Catalino II said, "The Town of Evans applauds Assemblyman Dick Smith's efforts in securing this substantial amount of funding for Graycliff.  The Town of Evans is proud of Graycliff's early success, and strongly believes that the full restoration of Graycliff will have a tremendous economic impact, not only on the Town of Evans, but on heritage tourism in Western New York.

The formal check presentation ceremony was held Saturday during the Graycliff Conservancy's Garden Tea on the estate grounds.