Sen. Griffo announces Clarkson University receiving funding for Cheel Campus Center and Arena expansion, renovations

State Sen. Joseph Griffo, R-I-C-Rome, announced today that Clarkson University will receive $3.4 million as part of the Higher Education Capital Matching Grant Program. The university will use the funds for the expansion and renovation of the Cheel Campus Center and Arena.

As part of the Higher Education Capital Matching Grant Program, which was established in 2005, schools provide a 3-to-1 dollar match for the awards. The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York is responsible for scoring the proposals by judging how well the project will impact student life, boost economic development to the surrounding area and enhance programmatic offerings for the school.

Clarkson University’s project will add more than 30,000 square feet to the building. It also will include space for a new Student Professional Development Center and a state-of-the-art collegiate training facility and team locker rooms.

“The Cheel Campus Center and Arena is a tremendous community asset that helps to make Potsdam and the North Country a great place to live, work and raise a family,” Sen. Griffo said. “This funding will help the university to renovate and expand this important facility, which I know will benefit everyone throughout the region.”

“Clarkson University is extremely pleased to have the HECap board recognize the value of this project to our students as well as the larger community that utilizes Cheel Campus Center and Arena for hundreds of community events, figure skating club activities and youth/adult hockey recreation programs,” said Tony Collins, president of Clarkson University.  “With this funding in place, we anticipate hiring contractors this summer which will bring construction jobs and related revenue for equipment and supplies into our community.”

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