Schenectady, N.Y. – With assistance from the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority, Schenectady County Community College (SCCC) will receive a $100,000 grant to offset some of the costs incurred by the College during Hurricane Irene. The funding is part of an Emergency Commercial District Investment Grant from National Grid to Metroplex.
“We are very grateful to National Grid for this assistance in helping Schenectady County and SCCC handle the cost of damages from last year’s terrible storms. This $100,000 National Grid grant awarded to Metroplex will help SCCC pay for costs of storm damage not covered by other federal or state programs.” said Ray Gillen, Chair of the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority.
“The effects of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee were unprecedented for our region. National Grid and our employees knew that even after the lights were back on and natural gas service was restored, our job was not complete,” said William Flaherty, Regional Executive for National Grid. “That is why we set up this Emergency Economic Development Grant program and we are proud to be able to help countless businesses and organizations. Schenectady County Community College was hit hard, due in large part to its proximity to the Mohawk River. This grant is part of our commitment to the customers we serve everyday to help them rebuild after last year’s severe weather.”
SCCC has faced a total of over $500,000 in direct storm-related costs due to Hurricane Irene ranging from debris removal to infrastructure repair. Electrical repairs alone totaled more than $150,000.
Judy Dagostino, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature said, “Thank you National Grid for this substantial grant to the County’s Metroplex Development Authority. These funds will go a long way in helping the County and SCCC recover from the fiscal impact of Hurricane Irene. This grant, along with support from federal and state programs, will help pay for storm related expenses that would otherwise be covered by County taxpayers or our students.”
“On behalf of SCCC and the Board of Trustees I’d like to thank Metroplex and National Grid for their assistance with this grant,” said Denise Murphy McGraw, Chair of the SCCC Board of Trustees. “Hurricane Irene hit SCCC hard and this grant is extremely helpful to the College.”
About Schenectady County Community College: One of the 30 community colleges in the State University of New York system, the nation’s largest comprehensive system of higher education, Schenectady County Community College (SCCC) in upstate New York enrolls more than 7,000 students. SCCC offers more than 40 career degree, transfer degree and certificate programs. The College opened its doors for classes in 1969 and continues to provide affordable comprehensive higher education and adult educational opportunities in response to local educational needs. To learn more, visit www.sunysccc.edu.