$2 Million Paves Way For New Health, Sports Center At Suffolk County Community College

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — The long-awaited health and sports center at Suffolk County Community College's eastern campus is one step closer to reality.

New York State Senator Ken LaValle announced not only $5 million in state funding for the SUNY Southampton in the recently approved budget — but also, an additional $2 million towards the completion of SCCC's eastern campus health and sports center.

“As chairman of the Senate higher education committee, ensuring an accessible, affordable, quality college education has been a primary goal of mine for years," LaValle said, "Coupled with that is a priority to properly fund and maintain the infrastructure of the SUNY campuses. In the state budget we just approved, I was able to secure $5 million to be used to create new academic space and renovate existing buildings at SUNY Southampton. The investment will be well utilized as we continue to improve the campus and attract new students.”

And, reflecting on the $2 million in state funding for the health and sports facility, LaValle said, “The center will be the first of its kind on the East End. I am pleased that I was able to secure the extra funding to assist in the completion of the facility. It is a welcomed addition to the campus and will be well utilized by the students and community residents.”

The cost of the nearly $22 million health and sports center is evenly split between the county and state, LaValle said. Due to an increase in construction costs, there was a need for an additional $4 million to complete the facility.

Both Suffolk County and New York State have now both approved their 50 percent share of the cost. The building will be constructed on the southwest corner of the campus.

In March, lawmakers rallied to support Stony Brook Southampton's campus through an infusion of funding.

According to New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele, the budget approved by the State Assembly contains $5 million in re-programmed capital funds to support development of academic and student program space on the Southampton campus.

The funding, which was included in the final budget, also has the support of New York State Senator Ken LaValle, Thiele said.

Last year, $7.5 million of capital funds was included for the Southampton campus; the new funding was requested by Stony Brook University.

"The academic programming at the Southampton campus continues to grow. I am pleased with the commitment that Stony Brook University has given to the campus in recent years," Thiele said. "The marine sciences program with its new facility is thriving, as is the Fine Arts program. We are seeing a continued growth in the graduate health sciences curriculum. Further, with the merger of Southampton Hospital and Stony Brook University Hospital the future of the campus is bright."

Nearly 500 students are now studying on the campus, with continued growth expected, Thiele added.

"These capital funds will ensure that the academic space on the campus can continue to be rehabilitated to provide increased quality education opportunities. Stony Brook and the Legislature have created a critical partnership for the future of the Southampton campus," Thiele said.

Patch file photo.