Senator Michelle Hinchey Announces Over $500,000 in State Aid for SD-46 Library Construction Projects

ALBANY, NY – State Senator Michelle Hinchey (SD-46) today announced that public libraries in Albany, Montgomery, and Ulster Counties have been awarded a total of $508,140 in state funding for construction projects. The New York State Education Department and New York State Library awards are supported by a $14 million capital appropriation provided in the FY 2020-2021 State Budget. The five libraries receiving grants in Hinchey’s district are the Town of Esopus Library, Amsterdam Free Library, Guilderland Public Library, RCS Community Library, and Rensselaerville Library.

“Libraries are the cornerstones of healthy communities, especially in our small towns and rural areas where many residents rely on their local library as a primary point of internet access, a connection to trusted educational resources, and for opportunities to build community with neighbors through activities and services,” said Senator Michelle Hinchey. “I want to congratulate all five libraries in my district on these awards, which will enable key investments, including in energy-efficient infrastructure and air quality improvements to reduce COVID risk. Throughout this pandemic, our libraries have proven themselves to be indispensable, and as we look to the future, it’s clear that we need to provide these aging facilities with the resources to fund upgrades and repairs so they can continue to function as our go-to community hubs. This construction aid is deeply needed, and I will continue to advocate for more support on behalf of our local libraries as we move into the 2022 budget season.”

During this year’s state budget process for FY’22, Senator Hinchey and her colleagues increased library construction aid by $20 million over Executive levels, for a total of $34 million, and fully restored a proposed $7.1 million cut in direct aid to public libraries.

SD-46 libraries receiving construction aid from the FY’21 State Budget appropriation are listed below.

Amsterdam Free Library, Amsterdam 
$353,260 to replace air conditioning and related plumbing with energy-saving units, requiring restoration of plaster ceilings, select millwork, and walls.

Guilderland Public Library, Guilderland
$131,552 for site infrastructure improvements, including a parking lot expansion, excavation of foundations, installation of a retaining wall, and site grading.

Rensselaerville Library, Rensselaerville
$9,734 to add air conditioning to the annex portion of the building.

RCS Community Library, Ravena
$7,057 for HVAC upgrades to improve air quality.

Town of Esopus Library, Port Ewen
$6,537 to install a digital sign near Rt. 9W to indicate the location of the library and its program offerings.

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