Senator Saland Announces Over $3 Million In Capital Funding For Area Colleges And Universities

Senator Steve Saland (R,C Poughkeepsie) today announced $3,809,069 in capital funding for Independent Colleges and Universities in Dutchess County. The funds come from the $150 million dollar Capital Matching Grants Program included in the 2005-06 state budget chapter amendment approved by the Legislature.

The program will provide $615,694 to Bard College, $738,322 to the Culinary Institute of America, $1,732,388 to Marist College and $722,665 to Vassar College. The funds are awarded on a formula basis, based on enrollment and TAP expenditures. Colleges and universities would be required to raise $3 in non-state funds for each dollar received under the Grant program. Eligible projects must relate to economic development, high technology, critical academic facilities and/or urban renewal and historic preservation.

"These schools contribute to both the economic and cultural strength of our community and in turn are integral to the quality of life we enjoy," said Senator Saland. I am pleased that with this funding they will continue to grow and prosper in Dutchess County."

This funding is in addition to more than $3 billion in the state budget for capital projects at SUNY and CUNY schools across New York State.