Seward Serves Up Funding For SUNY Cortland

ONEONTA, 07/01/14 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) today announced that $2 million in capital funding he secured will be used for SUNY Cortland’s tennis court rehabilitation project.

“SUNY Cortland is a well known leader in physical education and first-class facilities play a key role in achieving that status,” said Senator Seward.  “This funding will help the school maintain the well-earned reputation and also provide recreation and fitness opportunities for students and community members.”

The condition of the SUNY-Cortland tennis courts has been deteriorating rapidly and additional patching is not practical or cost effective.  Additionally, the surface has asbestos fibers, so repairs are both problematic and expensive.  Timely repair is needed so students in need of tennis instructional courses remain on track to graduate on-time.

“When high school students make their college education decisions, a number of factors come in to play.  It is vital that our SUNY schools include top-notch facilities and diverse course offerings to help attract the best and brightest,” Seward added.

While the primary concern is the instructional needs of students, the courts are also used extensively by the school’s recreational sports department, the campus tennis club, and the athletics department.  A number of Cortland community groups also utilize the courts and regional high school tennis tournaments and the Senior Games are also held there.

SUNY Cortland President Erik J. Bitterbaum said,  “We are very grateful that Senator Seward was able to get additional funding for our campus to rehabilitate the area around our new Student Life Center.  This funding will allow our student body, the Physical Education Department, Athletics and the greater Cortland community to utilize renovated tennis courts, additional basketball courts and a new parking area.”

“SUNY schools, and their facilities, raise the quality of life for all who live and work in their vicinity.  This state funding will help maintain SUNY Cortland’s level of academic excellence while serving up added benefits for students and community members alike – game, set, match,”   Seward concluded.

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