Funding Will Help Campuses Make Critical Infrastructure Investments to Benefit New York Students and Spur Economic Development
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced more than $67 million in grants for capital projects at 39 colleges and universities across New York. The funding comes from the Higher Education Capital Matching Grant Program and is awarded by the HECap Board, which provides matching grants to private, not-for-profit colleges and universities for projects that create construction jobs and drive investment in communities across the state.
"New York is home to some of the best colleges and universities in the world, and by investing in cutting-edge education and research, they will continue to fuel our workforce," Governor Cuomo said. "This funding will enable our campuses to make critical investments that benefit students, support economic and community growth, and help shape the next generation of leaders in the Empire State."
Under the Governor's leadership, the Higher Education Capital Matching Grant Program has enabled campuses across the state to make critical investments in their infrastructure and equipment while creating construction jobs. Campuses that receive grants are required to invest at least $3 of their own funds for every $1 of state funds they receive. Campuses are also required to pay construction workers prevailing wage on projects funded by these grants. The HECap Board approved $67,128,101 awarded to the 39 projects at a board meeting on Wednesday, June 27.
A full list of projects awarded funding from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, which administers the program on behalf of the Board, is available here.
The projects selected for grants in this most recent round were chosen as part of a competitive application process. The three-member Higher Education Capital Matching Grant Program Board, which includes one member chosen by the Speaker of the Assembly, one member chosen by the Temporary President of the Senate, and a third member chosen by the Governor. The current board members are Director of the New York State Division of the Budget Robert F. Mujica, Assembly Member Deborah J. Glick, and attorney Lisa Clare Kombrink.
Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities president Mary Beth Labate said, "The Higher Education Capital Matching Grant program is an example of public-private partnership that works for all New Yorkers. We thank Governor Cuomo and the Legislature for providing another round of funding for HECap in the most recent State Budget."
Gerrard P. Bushell, DASNY President and CEO said, "DASNY is pleased to act as staff to the HECap Board in administering grants for private colleges and universities throughout the State. The Higher Education Capital Matching Grant program allocations spur economic development and create jobs across the state, making New York an attractive place to live, work and learn."
Assembly Member Deborah Glick said, "New York has always invested in the success of our students, from state-of-the-art classrooms and enhanced pre-k programs, to the launch of the Excelsior Scholarship program. This latest investment in New York's private not-for-profit colleges and universities will ensure they remain the world-class institutions they are now. I thank Governor Cuomo for wisely investing in the future of New Yorkers."