Governor Cuomo Announces $15 Million SUNY Plattsburgh Residence Hall Rehab Project Complete

Wilson Hall Improvements Part of $47 Million in Capital Projects Completed for SUNY Campuses by DASNY in Summer 2017 

(August 29, 2017) Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the completion of a $15 million project to improve Wilson Hall, a nine-story residence building at SUNY Plattsburgh. The project is part of $47 million in Capital Projects being completed on SUNY campuses statewide. 

"This investment helps ensure SUNY Plattsburgh remains competitive and continues to attract the best and the brightest students from around the world," Governor Cuomo said. "By making necessary improvements to New York's world-leading university system, we are establishing a stronger environment at campuses across the state to help foster the next generation of Empire State leaders." 

The $15 million improvement project was a complete rehabilitation of the entire nine-story residence hall and basement, including: 

• New energy-efficient windows and doors; 

• Upgraded student bathrooms with new toilets and showers; 

• New electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems to increase energy efficiency; 

• New furniture to improve lounge and study areas; and 

• An enhanced recreation room with ping pong and pool tables. 

Wilson Hall is the largest residence Hall on SUNY Plattsburgh's campus. It was dedicated in 1970 in honor of Lewis W. Wilson, who was associated with the New York State Education Department for 43 years and served as Commissioner of Education from 1950-1955. The project was financed through DASNY's SUNY Dormitory Facilities Program, which issues low-cost tax-exempt bonds supported by student residence hall fees. 

Updates to the insulation and lighting, and mechanical and ventilation systems throughout the building will result in a 31 percent decrease in energy use. This supports Governor Cuomo's Executive Order 88, which is to achieve a 20 percent reduction in energy use in State buildings by 2020 through the BuildSmart NY program. The New York Power Authority, and its partnership with the SUNY system and five other State agencies accounting for 90 percent of State building space, are central to the BuildSmart NY effort. The Wilson Hall project and BuildSmart NY support the Governor's Reforming the Energy Vision strategy to build a clean, resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers. REV is ensuring the State meets its 2030 energy goals of reducing statewide greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent and decreasing energy consumption in buildings by 23 percent. 

DASNY President & CEO Gerrard P. Bushell said, "DASNY is proud to deliver a sustainable, best-in-class residence hall that will enhance students' learning experience and help SUNY Plattsburgh win the competition for the world's best minds. In delivering modern student residences through our partnerships with SUNY campuses, DASNY is playing an essential role in strengthening New York State's economic foundation." 

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO, Alicia Barton, said, "New York's investment in cost-effective energy efficiency improvements, like those at Wilson Hall, is another example of how the State is leading by example. Governor Cuomo is driving broader adoption of energy efficiency, renewables and other clean technologies at institutions of higher learning to provide cost savings and reduce our carbon footprint." 

SUNY Plattsburgh President John Ettling said, "The partnership with DASNY is critical, enabling us to update our facilities on a cyclical basis. The completion of Wilson Hall allows us to bring one of the largest such buildings on campus back into the fold and to bring our students an amazing new residence hall they can call home." 

Senator Betty Little said, "Providing a supportive environment to students is essential to their growth and the success of the next generation of leaders. The Governor's investment in Wilson Hall ensures that these young men and women have a safe, enjoyable residence building to call their home away from home, and I look forward to welcoming the next class of students to SUNY Plattsburgh this fall." 

Assemblyman Billy Jones said, "As a major economic driver for Clinton County and the City of Plattsburgh, upgrading and modernizing the SUNY Plattsburgh campus is a top priority. To continue to attract students from across the state, the nation and the world, we must provide the very best educational environments for students, and I thank Governor Cuomo for recognizing this and investing in a 21st century campus." 

City of Plattsburgh Mayor Colin Read said, "We're proud to offer top-notch educational opportunities for students at SUNY Plattsburgh and look forward to welcoming young men and women to our community each semester. With these upgrades, students will have access to comfortable environments right in Wilson Hall for student collaboration, study sessions, and recreation to enjoy. I thank Governor Cuomo for investing in this campus and in the Plattsburgh community." 

About Reforming the Energy Vision 

Reforming the Energy Vision is Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's strategy to lead on climate change and grow New York's economy. REV is building a cleaner, more resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers by stimulating investment in clean technologies like solar, wind, and energy efficiency, in support of the recently adopted Clean Energy Standard, which requires that 50 percent of the state's electricity needs be generated from renewable energy by 2030. Already, REV has driven 600 percent growth in the statewide solar market, enabled over 105,000 low-income households to permanently cut their energy bills with energy efficiency, and created thousands of jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and other clean tech sectors. REV is ensuring New York State reduces statewide greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and achieves the internationally-recognized target of reducing emissions 80 percent by 2050. To learn more about REV, including the Governor's $5 billion investment in clean energy technology and innovation, please visit www.ny.gov/REV4NY and follow us at @Rev4NY. 

You can view project photos here.