New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the allocation of nearly $42.6 million in Higher Education Capital Matching (HECap) grants to support 32 capital projects at colleges and independent higher-education institutions across the state. The competitive grants will fund campus modernizations, equipment purchases, critical infrastructure upgrades and workforce-training spaces.
Among the recipients named in the announcement are Rochester General College of Health Careers, which received $5 million for renovations to its Center for Innovation and Learning, and Hobart & William Smith Colleges in Geneva, which received $3 million for construction of a new science building and renovations to two adjacent science buildings. Other listed awards include $5 million each for Fordham University (Quinn Library renovation) and Columbia University Medical Center (chiller replacement), and smaller grants to Barnard College, New York Medical College, Hamilton College, New York Academy of Art and Syracuse University.
“These investments will modernize campuses, strengthen workforce-training opportunities and ensure students have access to learning environments aligned with the demands of today’s economy,” Governor Hochul said in the announcement.
The announcement says the HECap Board approved grants after a competitive review. The State University Construction Fund/DASNY serves as staff for the HECap Board and administers the program. Robert J. Rodriguez, CEO of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), is quoted praising the program for helping prepare students through improved classrooms, labs and research facilities.
According to the release, the HECap program — created in 2005 — has funded more than $404 million across 341 projects statewide. The current awards are intended to support education, health, science, technology and other high‑demand career pathways.
Local and regional higher‑education institutions that received funding in this round include:
- Rochester General College of Health Careers — $5 million (Center for Innovation and Learning renovations)
- Hobart & William Smith Colleges (Geneva) — $3 million (new science building and renovations)
- Syracuse University — $1.5 million (window replacement, Hall of Languages)
Reported totals and recipient names are taken from the governor’s Spanish-language announcement provided by the Governor’s Office and DASNY. The release states a complete list of awardees is available but did not include a link in the materials provided to WNYmedia.
