November 9, 2005

We are thrilled to announce that today, Congressman Maurice Hinchey '68, '70g (D-NY) has secured $750,000 in the Energy and Water Bill for the modernization and development of an environmental sciences laboratory at SUNY New Paltz, which will be used in collaboration with SUNY Ulster. He expects congressional approval tomorrow.

The two schools will use the funds to offer a full range of environmental educational and training opportunities that address biological, geological, and chemical water issues and problems, including growing concerns about bioterrorism threats to the region's water supply.

"This is the first ever federal funding awarded to SUNY New Paltz," said President Steven Poskanzer, "and we are extremely grateful to our alumnus, Congressman Maurice Hinchey, for his advocacy on behalf of SUNY New Paltz and SUNY Ulster."

We will share the requested funds to refurbish and modernize existing laboratories, create new laboratories, equip a mobile monitoring unit and strengthen an existing health, safety and environmental training center with the specific focus on the study of water availability, storage, transport and protection.

"This award will not only give our new Environmental Geochemical Science program a running start, but will also support our Geology, Chemistry and Biology programs and enhance our collaboration with UCCC," said David Clark, associate dean of the School of Science and Engineering.

For more information, visit Congressman Hinchey's Web site at http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ny22_hinchey/morenews/110905sunywater.html.