SUNY students in “high-needs” fields like engineering and nursing will benefit from $12 million to be distributed to 36 campuses, including more than $100,000 to SUNY Canton for a new laboratory.

SUNY Canton is slated to receive $100,216 for an environmental technology laboratory. The average grant statewide will be $333,333.

The state funding, to be disbursed over three years, is intended to “support workforce development in high-need career fields,” according to the announcement from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office.

The facility, which will be in the Nevaldine Technology Center, will be outfitted with the same equipment used by professionals working in environmental engineering technology and geotechnical fields.

Construction is scheduled to begin later this month and is anticipated to be complete this fall.

"The new lab will give students the opportunity to test water samples, design water and wastewater treatment system components and learn how to improve water quality," said Adrienne C. Rygel, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Civil and Environmental Technology program.

Rygel said the lab can also be used to conduct continuing education courses for regional water and wastewater treatment professionals and programs for secondary education students interested in the environmental field.

The six highest needs areas identified for the program are engineering and engineering technologies, healthcare, clean renewable energy, biomedical and biotechnical pursuits, agriculture and agribusiness, and information technology.