Several NNY projects get state funds

ALBANY — Several north country organizations, including three hospitals, soon will receive grants from the state Dormitory Authority.

Leading the way is Clarkson University, Potsdam, which will get $1 million to design and build the new Nanoengineering and Biotechnology Laboratories, to be called NABLAB. An expansion of the university's Center for Advanced Materials Processing, the new lab will study and fabricate biomaterials on a nanoscale. A nanometer is a metric unit of measure equal to one-billionth of a meter.

"We've been at the forefront of nanoengineering as it relates to chemical and mechanical systems," said Anthony G. Collins, Clarkson's president. "Now we're able to expand into biotechnology — we're moving from inorganic systems to organic systems. We're confident that we can continue to drive technology."

Mr. Collins thanked state Sen. Joseph A. Griffo, R-Rome, who helped to secure the NABLAB funds.

"In today's economy, it's important that New York State continue funding programs that spur sustained innovation," Mr. Griffo said in a press release. "I worked hard to secure these funds because Clarkson has quickly created potential for advanced technology manufacturing research. I support their vision and believe in its future as an economic development driver as well as a practical scientific endeavor."

Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Potsdam, is getting a $250,000 grant. Spokesman Rick D. Burt said the money will be used to refurbish patient rooms in the emergency department as part of the hospital's master facilities plan.

"We have invested a lot of money in medical technology," he said. "But our facilities are dated and we need to upgrade. These are things we need to do to stay on the cutting edge."

State Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine, D-Cape Vincent, was instrumental in securing this grant for the hospital.

"These upgrades and renovations are crucial to the future growth of Canton-Potsdam Hospital, which has seen a growing number of patients in its ER over the past several years," he said. "I'm pleased to have helped address this need by working together with hospital administration and community leaders to secure the funding so that this project could move forward."

Massena Memorial Hospital will use its $100,000 grant to buy an electrocardiogram machine. Known as an IE-33, the system "images the heart and function of the heart to give physicians a more accurate diagnosis" in patients with cardiac problems or disease, said spokeswoman Tina R. Corcoran.

This is the hospital's second such machine, which she described as "a step up from the one we have." With more cardiac patients being treated at the hospital, "it's good to have a second one on hand," Ms. Corcoran said.

Lewis County General Hospital, Lowville, will receive $250,000 toward installation of a permanent magnetic resonance imaging machine. While a mobile MRI unit is on site three days each week, hospital officials plan to install a permanent unit later this year. A proposed 700-square-foot addition next to the diagnostic imaging department will house the new unit, according to information provided by the hospital.

The Lewis County Agricultural Society will receive $100,000 for improvements at the county fairgrounds in Lowville. Mr. Griffo announced that award July 15 at the opening ceremonies of this year's Lewis County Fair. The grant likely will be used to replace storm and sanitary sewer systems, add restrooms and develop a connection between the fairgrounds and Maple Ridge Center, Dr. Harry P. O'Connor, the agricultural society's president, said at the time.

Lewis County will receive $100,000 for a maple syrup packaging and distribution center project. The county is accepting proposals for a feasibility study. County officials are "very appreciative" of Mr. Griffo's efforts in securing the funding and are working with the Dormitory Authority to determine how the money may be used, County Manager David H. Pendergast said.

The proposed center should help maple producers market their products and increase maple production statewide, said Michele E. Ledoux, executive director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Lewis County, who first suggested the project. Cornell University, Ithaca, is planning to conduct a statewide survey of producers and landowners in conjunction with the local feasibility study, Mrs. Ledoux said.

As reported Saturday, Ogdensburg Veterans Association Inc. will use its $50,000 grant to expand and improve the veterans lot at Ogdensburgh Cemetery in Ogdensburg. Mr. Aubertine secured these funds while still an assemblyman. In 2003, Mr. Aubertine secured a $10,000 grant, allowing the association to buy 50 burial plots.

Times staff writer Lori Shull contributed to this report.