DASNY and SUNY team up to provide tens of millions of dollars in upgrades
Albany, New York (Wednesday, June 15, 2016) – Gerrard P. Bushell, President and CEO of DASNY, announced today $33 million in upgrades to SUNY campuses throughout New York State. The work will be completed in 90 days – ready in time for students returning from summer break.
In less time than it takes to finish a full semester, upgrades will have been completed to improve quality of life for thousands of SUNY students statewide. The projects carry with them the added benefit of enhancing economic development by delivering jobs across the state.
“These campus upgrades enhance SUNY’s standing as a desired destination for bright young minds,” Bushell said. “DASNY is proud to support its SUNY partners in making them more competitive, delivering jobs across the state and strengthening the role New York’s world-class education system plays in bolstering our economy.”
Among the highlights:
• Over $2 million for high-tech laundry upgrades at the University at Buffalo. Following the success of similar changes in 2015, more students will now be able to check the status of their laundry with “Laundry Alerts,” view wait times and reserve a machine all from their smartphones!
• $750,000 for environmentally friendly upgrades at SUNY Potsdam. Among the many renovations, LED lighting will be installed as well as water-saving devices, including “low flow” shower heads, toilets and faucets.
• $5.7 million to put the finishing touches on security upgrades at SUNY New Paltz. As part of an effort to keep students safe, in addition to three already completed, nine more buildings will be outfitted with wireless door hardware to prevent illegal entry.
“Campus Living supports the university’s mission by striving to provide residential environments that assist students to be academically and personally successful,” said Kimberly A. Navarroli, Senior Associate Director of Residential Facilities for University at Buffalo Campus Living. “Our students appreciate convenience and we are always looking for ways to meet their needs. In addition to the technology upgrades, laundries are receiving comfortable lounge areas, new large-screen TVs, and additional machines.”
"SUNY Potsdam is committed to fostering a culture of sustainability on our campus and in our community," said Dr. Kristin G. Esterberg, President of SUNY Potsdam. "We are thrilled that in this small way, by partnering with DASNY, we can help to promote environmental stewardship and inspire our students to lead the way on sustainability, now and in the future."
“The safety of our students is paramount at SUNY New Paltz,” said John Shupe, Assistant Vice President for Facilities Management. “These entryway enhancements will help ensure our students have the ability to learn and interact in a secure environment, which will enable them to maximize their campus experience.”
The following is a breakdown of the work that’s being done and the value of the projects. Funds for the projects are derived from residence hall fees.
Campus: UAlbany
Value: $2.2 million
Work being done: Student rooms and corridors in four residence halls in the Alumni Quad are being given a fresh coat of paint. And elevators in the Eastman, Stuyvesant and Livingston towers are being replaced with more modern versions.
Campus: Alfred State College
Value: $1.9 million
Work being done: Brand new boilers are being installed in three residence halls.
Campus: SUNY Brockport
Value: $452,000
Work being done: Bathroom ventilation systems in McLean Hall are being upgraded, and the lobbies at Perry, Bramley and Biggs Halls are being reconfigured and renovated to create more open and bright entryways.
Campus: Buffalo State
Value: $3.4 million
Work being done: The roofs of Porter Hall and the Moore Complex are being replaced. Also, asbestos is being removed from the Tower 2 residence hall and the exterior stone panels on the northwest campus facade are being stabilized.
Campus: The College of Technology at Delhi
Value: $1.2 million
Work being done: A pair of lounges at Russell Hall are being converted into kitchens, and the exterior of Murphy Hall is getting a bit of a facelift.
Campus: SUNY Geneseo
Value: $3.8 million
Work being done: Brand new boilers are being installed in six residence halls.
Campus: SUNY Oneonta
Value: $2.3 million
Work being done: Five residence hall lounges are being converted into kitchens and fitness centers. Drainage improvements are being made to pedestrian walkways at the East Campus. The wall coverings along the corridors of Blodgett Hall are being removed and replaced. Four residence hall fire alarm panels are being replaced in an effort to secure the safety of students. And, four resident halls are also getting Wi-Fi upgrades.
Campus: SUNY Oswego
Value: $1.4 million
Work being done: The underground steam line that feeds four residence halls is being replaced.
Campus: SUNY Purchase
Value: $5 million
Work being done: Major bathroom renovations in Big Haus residence hall. Bedrooms, common areas and corridors will all be repainted and have new floors installed. There will also be new lighting and wardrobes installed.
Campus: University at Buffalo
Value: $3.7 million
Work being done: In addition to the high tech laundry upgrades mentioned previously, the deteriorating staircase at Richmond hall is being replaced as well as concrete portions of the Governor’s Complex loading dock.
Campus: SUNY Potsdam
Value: $1.9 million
Work being done: In addition to the environmentally friendly bathroom upgrades listed above, six high-rise elevators are being replaced on campus.
Campus: SUNY New Paltz
Value: $5.7 million
Work being done: As cited above, this involves the installation of electronic card readers in nine buildings on campus.
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Founded in 1944, DASNY – the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York – finances and builds health and education infrastructure in New York State. It is one of the largest issuers of tax-exempt bonds in the nation with an outstanding bond portfolio of approximately $47.3 billion as of March 31, 2016. DASNY is also a major public builder in New York State with a construction pipeline of 1,068 projects valued at more than $5.8 billion as of March 31, 2016.