(35th District, NY) – On Thursday, May 6, 2010 Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Senate Majority Conference Leader John Sampson with the New York Medical College (NYMC) announced an award of $3.25 million to NYMC for a Hudson Valley Biotechnology Center for Disaster Medicine and Emerging Infections. Funding was secured through the New York State Senate Gen*NY*sis program to upgrade and modernize an existing building to accommodate this biotechnology facility.
The New York State Senate GEN*NY*SIS program provides funding to public, not-for-profit and private academic research institutions to establish New York as a leader in high-tech and biotechnology-related research, as well as develop new employment opportunities across the State. The NYMC facility will create high-paying quality jobs, attract business opportunities for biotechnology medical enterprises in Westchester County and will create recruitment opportunities for a talented pool of health professionals.
Founded in 1860, NYMC has established a reputation as one of the premier medical schools in the nation, dedicated to providing an outstanding education for medical professionals and is a leading academic biomedical research center located between New York City and Albany. The University's medical research departments currently specialize in cardiovascular disease, cancer, disaster medicine, kidney disease, the neurosciences and infectious diseases. With more than 3,000 faculty and staff, NYMC is one of Westchester County’s largest employers. Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Senate Majority Conference Leader John Sampson acknowledged NYMC's long and distinguished history during their visit, which coincided with the College's 150th anniversary celebrations.
“I am pleased to continue working with Senate Majority Conference Leader John Sampson to find ways to grow our economy,” said Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “Establishing a new Biotechnology Center will generate high-quality competitive jobs in Westchester County, and develop economic opportunities in innovative industries, strengthening the future of our local economy.
“Creating high-paying quality jobs in biotech medical enterprises will attract the business opportunities we need to rebuild New York’s economy. State-of-the art technology and medical advancements fuel the economy of tomorrow and give New York the gold standard of health care from coast to coast. I commend my colleague, Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins for her innovative approach to building New York’s economy and keeping our communities healthy,” said Senate Majority Conference Leader John L. Sampson.
“The Center will undoubtedly have a great impact on the health of all New Yorkers. It will be located in Westchester County, home to the largest concentration of biotechnology companies in the state, and will provide an unparalleled opportunity for scientific partnerships and collaborations with biotechnology companies and other institutions, which will stimulate the economy of this academically and scientifically rich region. We are proud to be taking this step at a momentous time in our history, as we celebrate the 150th year since our founding in 1860. This important grant helps us open the door to our next 150 years,” said Dr. Karl P. Adler, president and CEO of New York Medical College.
