ROUSES POINT -- Thanks to a hefty donation from Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the Montgomery Street scenic pier will not cost village taxpayers a thing.

Wyeth will contribute $75,000 toward the Village of Rouses Point's efforts to complete its Downtown and Waterfront Revitalization Plan.

About $60,000 of the pledge will be used for construction of the pier. The remaining $15,000 will go toward community-redevelopment strategies.

The improvements to the waterfront and the majority of the pier's construction are being funded through more than $800,000 of grant money from state and federal agencies. The gift from Wyeth will help the village cover the remaining project costs.

Melissa McManus, revitalization project manager, said the pier will be completed with "zero cash costs" to taxpayers.

David Champagne, managing director of Wyeth's Rouses Point manufacturing site, said the company is pleased to be part of the village's effort to construct the scenic pier and shoreline walkway and contribute to its economic-development program.

"Assisting Rouses Point and the North Country in their efforts to achieve future economic and community growth is testimony to our continued commitment to the region."

Mayor George Rivers accepted the donation at a special meeting Monday night and said it was a significant day for the village.

"We are enthused about the progress of the plan and appreciate Wyeth's contributions to this effort. Wyeth has been, and continues to be, an involved and generous corporate neighbor in Rouses Point."

McManus said the Revitalization Plan is coming along nicely.

The scenic pier is almost completed, she said, and the shoreline walkway has been started. The Village Board members hope to have the pier and walkway completed by the end of June, in time for the village's July 4 celebration.

By the end of this year, the village also hopes to start two studies: a comprehensive redevelopment strategy study and a marketing and promotion project, which includes improving the village's Web site and creating e-brochures, McManus said.

In 2009, the project will focus on areas such as the former Rouses Point beach property and Veterans Park.

rosborne@pressrepublican.com