Alfred State College Requests Funding for Renewable Energy Technical Training Center

ASC Requests Funding for Renewable Energy Technical Training Center

An appropriation of $500,000 was granted this week to Alfred State College pursuant to a request for funding to support a renewable energy technical training center. Now that the bill has been approved by the Senate Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee and the full Senate Appropriations Committee, it will move forward to the Senate and Conference with the House and then to the President for signature.

As reported by the Olean Times Herald (July 25, 2010) US Sen. Charles Schumer noted: “SUNY Alfred is at the cutting edge of clean energy development and this investment will go a long way to make sure the school stays on top. Developing this clean energy technology will mean jobs for middle class families and economic growth throughout the Southern Tier. I’m going to be working hard to ensure that this funding makes it all the way through the appropriations process.”

“I am pleased that Sen. Charles Schumer has recognized and supports the need for alternative energy training initiatives,” said Alfred State College President Dr. John M. Anderson. “This funding will allow the College to continue its cutting-edge renewable energy leadership position.”

The Center will be used to build additional model installations with complete monitoring systems, utilizing geothermal, solar, and small wind projects. These sites will demonstrate the economic advantages of such systems. Additionally, the Center will provide economic development by promoting alternative ways to provide energy for homes, businesses, and farms in the rural sections of upstate New York that often are poor and disadvantaged; attract youth from both rural and urban backgrounds to green careers; provide additional trained employees for service industries in upstate New York; serve as a regional training center for new green energy technologies; and educate the public re: the advantages of renewable energy production.

“Through the Center, awareness will be significantly increased for a number of constituencies, including students who will be exposed to the many high-demand, high-paying green careers,” notes Craig Clark, dean, School of Applied Technology.

Alfred State College is uniquely poised to pursue this renewable energy technical training center thanks to its reputation for hands-on pedagogy, its partnerships with SUNYGREENSNY, NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority), and others.

For additional information, go to http://schumer.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=326689.