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Plans set in motion for ECC science building

It won't be open for almost two years but the new science building at ECC North is being described as a game-changer.

Credit Mike Desmond/wbfo news
ECC President Jack Quinn unveils the designs for the college's science building.

The state's half-share or $15 million toward the $30 million complex has been in Albany's budget since 2012, guarded against legislators from other areas. It's taken the time since to put up the county's $7.5 million share and for the college to raise its match to the county and now, College President Jack Quinn says it's a go, with construction starting in the spring and completion set for the end of the summer 2017.

County Executive Poloncarz says the college is important in local economic development.

"ECC's playing a key role as it pertains to STEM technology and STEM buildings," Poloncarz said.

"It's imperative in today's market that we compete, as I said, not just with our friends elsewhere in New York State but elsewhere across the world."

Quinn says the 57,000 square foot building will house the college's science and engineering programs and allow programs there isn't room for now. He says it will also allow ECC North to have the traditional college quad, perhaps with picnic tables for students and staff to mix and work on their educations.
 

Mike Desmond is one of Western New York’s most experienced reporters, having spent nearly a half-century covering the region for newspapers, television stations and public radio. He has been with WBFO and its predecessor, WNED-AM, since 1988. As a reporter for WBFO, he has covered literally thousands of stories involving education, science, business, the environment and many other issues. Mike has been a long-time theater reviewer for a variety of publications and was formerly a part-time reporter for The New York Times.