Lawmakers Advocate For Stony Brook Southampton Funding

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Lawmakers are rallying 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 must still be 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.