APRIL 25, 2007

LEGISLATOR MILLER-WILLIAMS, COUNTY LEGISLATURE APPROVE EXPANSION, IMPROVEMENTS TO ECC CITY, NORTH, SOUTH CAMPUSES

The Erie County Legislature approved plans to bond for expansion and improvements at the three Erie Community College campuses, led by work approved for the City Campus, at its April 19 session, County Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams (D-Buffalo) recently announced.

The plan entails the county borrowing up to $20 million in 2007 and 2008 for expansion work at the ECC City Campus, which is located in the 3rd District, represented by Legislator Miller-Williams, as well as work at the ECC North and South campuses.

"The plans to expand the ECC City Campus include converting a building at 45 Oak Street, currently owned by the county, to ECC this year as part of a $3 million borrowing. This will also incorporate improvements to the North Campus in Williamsville and the South Campus in Orchard Park," Legislator Miller-Williams said. "In 2008, $17 million will be borrowed to build a new academic building and a parking facility at the downtown campus."

Legislator Miller-Williams noted that criminal justice students will be near the county public safety building and that health sciences students will be able to attend classes near hospitals and the developing medical corridor in the city.

"Some people may refer to this action as a compromise, but I see it as a wise decision reached after people and legislators from both parties, representing city, suburban and rural districts, worked together to reach a bold plan to move to the future," Legislator Miller-Williams said. "This action will also bring educational opportunities, services and jobs, as well as students and commerce, back to downtown and to the 3rd District. City residents will be able to make better arrangements for their educational and transportation needs."

Legislator Miller-Williams also commended the cooperation of the ECC Board of Trustees in using $1 million of the college's reserve funds to remodel the 52,000-square-foot building on Oak Street next to the City Campus.

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