Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced that SUNY New Paltz broke ground on a new Engineering Innovation Hub that will help support and diversify the college’s rapidly growing engineering and technology programs. SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson, along with other regional business and higher education leaders, celebrated the beginning of construction on the 19,500-square-foot facility, which will support collaboration between the college and advanced manufacturing and engineering industries.“This expansion continues our focus on growing high-tech industries in the Mid-Hudson Valley, while providing quality jobs for men and women throughout the region,” Gov. Cuomo said. “The Engineering Innovation Hub is a perfect example of investments in academia that help foster business and industry partnerships, create new jobs, and ensure the next generation of leaders continue moving New York forward.”
The state-of-the-art building is made possible by a $10 million award from the Governor’s NYSUNY 2020 grant program, which supports plans to improve economic development across New York. SUNY New Paltz was also awarded $1 million through the Governor’s Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council’s Consolidated Funding Application.
The project is expected to yield an overall economic impact of more than $75 million, create more than 100 construction jobs, and support the creation of 195 full-time jobs over a 10-year period.
The Engineering Innovation Hub will house the new bachelor’s degree program in mechanical engineering; the Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center; the college’s 3D design and printing program; and space to support businesses participating in START-UP NY.
Once complete, the Hub will directly address the region’s need for talented engineers, support the growth of regional businesses by educating the 21st century workforce, and prepare students to thrive in high-tech careers in the Mid-Hudson Valley. The Engineering Innovation Hub is projected to be completed by summer 2019.
The project builds on a legacy of engineering programs at SUNY New Paltz that began in 1984, when Governor Mario Cuomo supported the creation of an undergraduate engineering program at New Paltz.
“Thanks to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s visionary NYSUNY 2020 program, we are able to build Engineering Innovation Hubs such as this one at SUNY New Paltz, attracting new industries and educating a uniquely prepared workforce that contributes to the vibrancy of our state and local communities,” said SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson. “Congratulations to President Christian and the entire SUNY New Paltz community. This state-of-the-art facility will be a tremendous reflection of your hard work, ingenuity, and advocacy.”
“Today we celebrate the culmination of so many individual efforts, from both inside and outside the campus, to launch an exciting new project,” said SUNY New Paltz President Donald P. Christian.”The groundbreaking of our new Engineering Innovation Hub represents a clear example of what we can achieve in the interest of our students and the Hudson Valley region through vision, advocacy, collaboration and perseverance.”
Senator John Bonacic said, “SUNY New Paltz is a major economic driver for the entire Mid-Hudson region, and I commend the Governor for investing in this campus expansion and supporting the development and growth of our youngest New Yorkers. By offering hands-on experience with next generation technology, students will be better prepared to enter New York’s workforce, while supporting the continued growth of this entire state.”