College Building New Facility For Training Skilled Workers

TROY, N.Y. (AP) — Ground has been broken for a new manufacturing technologies training facility at an upstate New York community college.

Empire State Development, the state's economic development agency, says work has begun on the construction of the Gene F. Haas Center for Advanced Manufacturing Skills at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy.

Officials say the $14.5 million facility will enable the two-year school to double enrollment in its advanced manufacturing technology degree program as well as support the demand for skilled employees in the Albany area.

The program trains machinists, toolmakers and computer programmers and is the only community college training program of its kind within 125 miles.

The project is being supported with funding from the state and federal governments and from private companies and donors.