Tools

Agreement a "critical step forward" toward Nanocenter on SUNYIT campus

By By PAT BAILEY

Story Created: May 13, 2010 at 4:47 PM EDT

Story Updated: May 13, 2010 at 5:56 PM EDT

MARCY, N.Y. (WKTV) - State and college officials said a new project development agreement will pave the way for a Nanocenter on the SUNYIT campus.

The new agreement is being dubbed as a "critical step forward" in bringing a Nano Technology Center and hundreds of high-paying jobs to the Mohawk Valley.

The agreement signed Thursday is between SUNYIT and the University of Albany. The agreement means a nanotech center for research will go on the University of Albany campus with a new center for research also going on the SUNYIT campus.

Officials responsible for the agreement said the deal lays the ground work for a new Nanocenter facility, with high paying jobs, and the training necessary to fill those jobs.

"Today we stand here, ready to put the finishing touches on this site for it's future use as one of the major employers in Upstate New York," said Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito, (D) 116th district.

The agreement means $225 million will be spent between the two campuses - money that comes from not only the State of New York, but IBM and Intel, as well.

The new research center for students, will be added on the SUNYIT campus. Work on infrastructure improvements to the Edic Road property is expected to start in the coming months - land that has always been the target for a Nanocenter, and the jobs that would come along with the industry.

However, officials said two things held up a previous tenant - the land wasn't shovel ready, and SUNYIT did not have a high-level of Nanotech research.

"I can promise you, the arrival of nanotech jobs, companies and investment to the Utica-Rome area is not a question of if, but when and a very soon when," said Dr. Alain Kaloyeros, Senior Vice President & CEO of the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering at the University of Albany.

What's On