A state grant awarded to SUNY
Adirondack will fund a study, anticipated
to be completed in 2015, that will drive
future planning to support area industries
including, but not limited to, agriculture,
healthcare and the trades.
It was announced in December that the
college will receive $65,000 to conduct a
feasibility study for a potential regional
education site in Washington County.
The funds were secured through a
competitive bid through the Regional Economic
Development Council (REDC) and
sponsored by the Washington County Local
Development Corporation (LDC).
Local officials said the money will fund
a plan to help to determine what types of
education and training offerings are needed
in the county, to identify key partners and
to determine if there is a convenient and
strategic location.
“The college is grateful to the Regional
Economic Development Council and our
partners at the Washington County LDC
for their support of this planning study,” said Dr. Kristine Duffy, president of SUNY
Adirondack. “As one of our sponsoring counties,
it’s a key part of the college’s strategic
plan to provide high quality and affordable
education opportunities that are easily accessible
to Washington County residents.”
A Request for Proposal will be crafted in
coordination with the Washington County
LDC, which will serve as the lead agent for
identifying a well-qualified organization to
conduct the survey.
The planned study will include labor
market analysis, interviews with area
business and education leaders, and assessment
of the financial sustainability of
expanding SUNY Adirondack’s footprint
in the region.
“The LDC is pleased to participate in
this effort which is ultimately expected to
lead to increased program offerings and
a direct presence in Washington County,”
said Washington County LDC Executive
Director Deanna Derway. “We are also
thrilled with the opportunity to enhance
our partnership with SUNY Adirondack.