College seeks three federal grants to fund wastewater, labs and Dearlove equipment

Kelly W. Black, director of grants, told the committees that Adirondack Community College is pursuing three federal capital opportunities and that the projects are eligible for required state matching funds. "They are eligible for the 100% state match which allows them to fully leverage this external funding opportunity," Black said.

The three capital efforts are: a U.S. Department of Education Title III Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) request (planned $3 million request with $2 million for capital/construction and an anticipated $1 million New York State match); a Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) Catalyst grant targeted to wastewater infrastructure (planned $3 million request with a $3 million state match); and a FY27 Congressionally Directed Spending submission asking for $2,186,088 for equipment tied to Dearlove Hall renovations (broken down in the transcript as $1.522 million for mechatronics/robotics/CNC/welding equipment and $663,687 for cybersecurity, networking and computer hardware).

Black and college staff noted timelines: the Title III award decision was anticipated in September 2026 (with an option for down-the-slate consideration in 2027 if not awarded in 2026), the NBRC Phase II application is planned for Spring 2027, and the FY27 CDS request is pending congressional action. Trustees asked the counties to approve the capital request package so the college can move quickly if federal awards are received; college staff said projects will not proceed without confirmed federal funds or identified alternatives.