A historic college is getting a new building.
SUNY Maritime was recently awarded funds for the building of the Seamanship Center on the campus at Fort Schuyler.
A $1.5 million grant was secured for the new building by Senator Jeff Klein, who announced the funding on Monday, August 11 as hundreds of students arrived back at Maritime from the summer sea term session on the training ship Empire State VI.
The plans for the 4,000 square foot Seamanship Center have been in the works for more than three years, said college spokesman Terence Kelly, although the project is still in its preliminary phases. The center will be built above the college’s existing deep-water pier.
“It will satisfy the space needed for waterfront programs with out affecting greenspace,” said Kelly.
The new Seamanship Center will create additional classroom space for the school’s 1,900 students and allow for future growth in enrollment. The new space will also serve as a training location for active mariners including civilians, various city agencies, and first responders.
“SUNY Maritime, with its strong and rigorous curriculum and hands-on training, provides students with an unparalleled advanced education giving them all the tools they need for a successful and adventurous career in the maritime industry,” said Klein. “This Seamanship Center will enhance and expand the terrific education our students are already receiving as they prepare to become the mariners of tomorrow, while at the same time offer a fantastic new facility for our first responders in the NYPD and FDNY to conduct essential training exercises,”
Kelly said the new center will be a tremendous addition to the college.
“On behalf of the Maritime College community, I want to express our gratitude to Senator Klein for his efforts in ensuring that $1.5 million for a Seamanship Center was included in SUNY’s appropriation in the 2014/2015 state budget,” said SUNY Maritime president Michael A. Alfultis. “Thanks to Senator Klein, Maritime students, New York City-area first responders, and young people within our Bronx community, will soon enjoy the benefits of a Seamanship Center.”
