Albany, NY – Capital Region Assembly Majority members Fahey, McDonald, Steck, and Santabarbara today announced their support of the University at Albany’s $293 million SUNY Capital Plan – part of a proposed multibillion capital plan. The funding request calls for vitally important capital improvements, renovations and upgrades to the University’s aging campus facilities spanning more than 5.8 million square feet. This revitalization and renewal plan will not only preserve the University’s existing infrastructure, but will also create more 2,500 Capital Region jobs.

In December 2012, the SUNY Board of Trustees recommended a $5 billion SUNY Capital Plan for the State University’s state operated campuses over the next five years, and Chancellor Nancy Zimpher’s budget testimony underscored the need for critical maintenance funding of $2 billion for state operated campuses systemwide. Both requests highlight the dire need for capital funding for the State University’s state operated campuses.

With 82% of the University at Albany’s physical plant now approaching at least 50 years of age, most of the University’s capital facilities are desperately in need of repair and upgrade. According to independent studies, $1.2 billion of critical maintenance and upgrade backlog needs exist across UAlbany.

The University at Albany’s capital request addresses those infrastructure needs that present unique and distinct challenges in relation to the other University Centers (Buffalo, Stony Brook and Binghamton). With its Downtown Campus built in the early 1900s and its Uptown Campus’s 21-acre mega-complex constructed in the 1960s, the University’s physical plant requires more costly and consistent levels of investment.

“This critical capital investment will improve the educational and learning spaces for the University at Albany’s 23,000 students, faculty and staff, while creating thousands of construction jobs to help spur our greater Capital Region economy,” said Assemblywoman Patricia Fahey.

The University at Albany’s five-year SUNY Capital Plan will provide a substantial infusion of capital monies into the local economy – in particular general contractors, trades professionals, and architectural/engineering firms.

During the five-year period of the previous Capital Plan 2008 - 2013, more than 75 Capital Region construction, engineering and architectural firms have directly benefited from this plan resulting in over 2,600 jobs.

“The capital backlog needs at the University at Albany are extraordinary. It is incumbent upon our entire delegation, as well as our business and community leaders, to raise the visibility of this issue and ensure that our region’s flagship public research University receives its fair and equitable share of SUNY capital funding,” said Assemblyman John McDonald.

“Preserving and maintaining the infrastructure of the region’s largest public University assures access and educational opportunity to a quality higher education in a 21st century learning environment. The University’s capital plan is critically important to realizing this goal,” said Assemblyman Philip Steck.

“There is much at stake for the Capital Region as we seek to preserve and maintain the quality of the University’s physical plant. In addition to modernizing our internationally recognized University, this funding priority will drive economic growth and job creation across the region,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara.