BayCoast Bank has presented the Westport River Watershed Alliance (WRWA) with a $25,000 grant in support of the River Center project. This grant is the first toward the bank’s three-year pledge of $75,000.

"This gift from BayCoast will be publicly recognized on the River Center’s Outdoor Rear Deck where their name and logo will be visible. This is a lovely spot with an iconic view of the head of the river," siad WRWA Executive Director Deborah Weaver.

WRWA purchased the old Head Garage at the Head of Westport landing in 2014, and will soon begin renovations to transform the structure into their new headquarters and educational resource center.

The Watershed Alliance has been meeting with town boards over the last two years to obtain the permits necessary to make the alterations to the building and the riverfront property. “

“The design and plans have been carefully crafted to help preserve and improve the environmental integrity of the Head of Westport neighborhood,” Ms. Weaver said.

“Education continues to be one major focus of our community giving program. Partnering with WRWA in their campaign to create a new headquarters and educational center allows BayCoast Bank the opportunity to increase access to educational programs centered on our beautiful local environment and its continued preservation”, said Nicholas M. Christ, president and CEO of BayCoast Bank.

The Capital Campaign has been led by WRWA Development Director Gay Gillespie.

“For years, BayCoast Bank has enthusiastically supported our two college interns who work with WRWA’s education director presenting summer environmental education programs. Their additional generous commitment to the River Center project is fantastic especially knowing they believe in our mission and vision.”

WRWA has raised $1,596,438 toward its $2 million goal. The group anticipates having a shovel in the ground September 1 with a completion date of June 2018, and a rib