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Washington, D.C. - As part of his ongoing effort to protect and improve New York's water supply, Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today announced that he has won congressional approval of $750,000 for the modernization and development of an environmental laboratory at SUNY New Paltz, which will be used in collaboration with SUNY Ulster. The two schools will use the funds together 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. Hinchey used his position on the House Appropriations Committee to secure the funds, which are included in the Energy & Water Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2006.
"These federal funds will further allow two of our local universities to learn about our water supply and develop ways in which we can better protect it and ensure it's cleanliness for residents and wildlife," Hinchey said. "We must do everything we can to safeguard New York's natural resources, particularly the remarkably pristine New York City Watershed, which is why this initiative is so important. I'm very pleased to see SUNY New Paltz and SUNY Ulster working closely together for the good of the region."
Elementary, secondary, undergraduate and graduate students will use the laboratory to study hydrology and other environmentally relevant coursework. It will serve as an enhancement to existing curriculum. Faculty at the colleges will also serve as consultants for local municipalities, community organizations and the New York City Department of Environmental Conservation with a focus on water quality issues and bioterrorism.
The lab will also serve as a clearinghouse for data collected from throughout the region and help municipal leaders understand the implications of development proposals, accessibility to potable water and other environmental factors that are relevant to daily life in the Hudson Valley. While these relationships between the schools and the other state and local groups currently exist, the lab will formalize and enhance them and provide additional environmental resources at a time when many development and security issues are being considered.
"I am delighted that Congressman Hinchey's vision and leadership have resulted in a significant infusion of resources for his alma mater," said Steven G. Poskanzer, president of SUNY New Paltz. "This project will help us protect and preserve water--the lifeblood of the Hudson Valley."
SUNY Ulster President Don Katt said, "Ulster County is extremely fortunate to be represented in Congress by Maurice Hinchey, who values education so highly. His ability to secure these funds for SUNY Ulster and New Paltz will provide equipment and facilities that are critically needed by our Environmental Studies and health care students to ensure they continually serve the community with current knowledge and skills in these essential and rapidly-changing disciplines."
The Senate is expected to approve the Energy & Water Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2006 tomorrow. The measure then moves to the White House where the president is expected to sign it into law. The Energy & Water Appropriations bill is one of ten spending bills Congress is required to pass annually.
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