CANTON -- A $4 million project to improve Mohawk Hall at SUNY Canton in St. Lawrence County has been completed, said a press release from the governor’s office.

The project is part of $47 million in capital projects being completed on SUNY campuses statewide by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY).

"By working with DASNY, we've been able to upgrade one of our most popular residence halls. Mohawk Hall is home to our famous Pet Wing, which allows students to bring their small animals with them to college. The renovations allow us to keep our historic buildings current and helps us provide a home away from home for our students, and their pets," SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran said.

"This investment helps put SUNY Canton on the map as a competitive, 21st century school offering top-notch living and community space for students," Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said. "Making these necessary improvements will help New York continue to attract the best and the brightest to the Empire State and support the development of the next generation of leaders."

The $4 million improvement project included the total rehabilitation of one of the three wings in Mohawk Hall. The project included installation of new electrical and heating systems, renovation of 36 rooms and 12 bathrooms, and new furniture purchased for the wing. As a whole, the upgrades make the wing brighter and more modern.

The project was financed through DASNY's SUNY Dormitory Facilities Program, which issues low-cost tax-exempt bonds supported by student residence hall fees.

Mohawk Hall also houses the college's "Pet Wing." Since 1997, the "Pet Wing" has enabled students to bring a variety of pets with them to live on campus, including cats, ferrets, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, and fish. There are about 140 beds available in the "Pet Wing." SUNY Canton was twice named to Petside.com's Top 10 Pet Friendly Colleges list, and Great Value Colleges.net named the college as one of the best in the U.S. for animal lovers.

"DASNY's partnership with SUNY Canton brought Mohawk Hall into the 21st Century to provide students with best-in-class living and learning infrastructure. The improvements give SUNY Canton an advantage in the competition for top caliber students and strengthen New York State's economic foundation," DASNY President & CEO Gerrard P. Bushell said.

"As we welcome students back to the SUNY Canton campus, we are proud to offer them the very best living and learning opportunities. These upgrades brighten students' lives, providing the support they need to reach for their dreams. Governor Cuomo understands the importance of these investments and I thank him for it," St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators Chairman Kevin Acres said.

"Students are best able to achieve success when they have a supportive and safe environment to call home. I would like to thank Governor Cuomo for recognizing the importance of investing in SUNY Canton and look forward to seeing how these improvements help create brighter futures for its students,” said Senator Patty Ritchie.