Schumer Launches Push To Secure Funding For Utica College Project
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer was at Utica College on Monday to launch a major push for federal funding to help build a state-of-the-art construction management training center at UC.
Schumer says the facility will equip students with the skills they need for in demand jobs in the construction industry.
Utica College President Laura Casamento says they're excited to have Schumer's support for the much-needed project.
Casamento says Utica College's Construction Management Major has placed 100 percent of its students in jobs before graduation and expects to train over 250 students over the next decade.
Utica College has raised $2.1 million in private funds for the project and received a $700,000 state grant.
The total project is expected to cost $4.1 million and the college has applied to the federal Economic Development Agency to fill the funding gap.
Schumer is pledging his support for the funding.
“With the supply of construction industry jobs expected to grow over the next several years, Utica College’s Construction Management program aims to meet that demand by equipping students with the tools they need to be successful in the future. But with enrollment in the program expected rapidly grow, Utica College needs additional space and upgraded technology to properly train students,” said Schumer. “That is why I am asking the Economic Development Administration to ‘put cash on the nail’ and approve this investment so Utica College’s Construction Management Training Center can become a reality.”