Assenblywoman Russell: North Country gets $90.2 million for economic development

I am so very pleased to be a member of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council, which has just been awarded 90.2 million dollars in the second round of Regional Economic Development Council awards.  The Council worked extremely hard in developing a proposal that creates jobs, brings new housing to the Fort Drum area, and continues to deliver in terms of business development and economic growth to the entire region. This culminates the second consecutive year of success for the North Country Economic Development Council. Thank you to everyone who participated in the process and especially to those businesses and organizations who submitted excellent projects for our consideration.

Assemblywoman Russell: SUNY Chancellor cites significant progress and will recommend separate presidential searches if Canton and Potsdam wish

I have talked with Chancellor Zimpher and she assures me that Potsdam and Canton have made significant progress with streamlining administrations, saving money and investing these savings back into student services.  It is admirable what these campuses have been doing to ensure the most resources possible go to where they are needed most.  These colleges are becoming leaders within the system and models of finding innovative ways to work together.

I stressed my desire that each campus retain its own president, and Chancellor Zimpher reiterated that from the beginning the path to sharing services has been campus-driven and their input will be key on how best to move forward.

She further informed me that the campus administrations have asked for more time, possibly another full year, to achieve greater efficiencies and additional savings.   At that time, if both colleges wish to proceed with separate presidential searches, Chancellor Zimpher would make that recommendation to the Board of Trustees.

I plan to continue to monitor this issue closely with the administrations and with Chancellor Zimpher's team to ensure these colleges have the support they need throughout this process.

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