Empire State Development grants FLCC $1M for integrated plant science building

The college is working with Ontario County to replace its 1979 greenhouse with a modern facility to support horticulture and environmental studies classes.

Empire State Development has awarded Finger Lakes Community College a $1 million grant to support a proposed integrated plant science education complex for the main campus.

The college is working with Ontario County on a plan to replace its 1979 greenhouse and combine it with classrooms and offices that could be shared with other community agencies.

The proposed project would be roughly 20,000 square feet and cost between $24 and $26 million with site work beginning sometime in 2026. The Ontario County Soil and Water Conservation District is among the agencies discussing a partnership in the project.

FLCC applied for the grant to support its degree and certificate programs in horticulture and environmental science.

“This state grant and other funding sources show the widespread agreement of the importance of supporting sustainable agriculture and greater synchronization in our upstate communities,” said FLCC President Robert Nye.

Last year, U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer announced $1 million for the project in a federal appropriations law. The college has also received $2.8 million in private donations toward the project, largely from an estate gift. Fundraising will continue, and Ontario County, as the local sponsor of FLCC, is evaluating opportunities for the remaining local share of project costs. All county, federal and private funds will be matched dollar-for-dollar by New York State.

Empire State Development is charged with making strategic investments in infrastructure and workforce development, with a focus on sustainability. Soil and water conservation districts operate under the state Department of Agriculture and Markets to protecting natural resources while helping to maintain farming as a profitable and environmentally sound enterprise.

Under the current plan, the existing greenhouse behind the science wing at the main campus would be torn down. The new facility would go up in a different location to take better advantage of sunlight. The college and county continue to evaluate sites at the main campus. The greenhouse would have a hydroponic system and modern temperature and humidity controls to allow for different growing environments.

Nye will talk about the project as part of a broader update on college initiatives on Thursday, Feb. 27. The presentation will be held online with a link at flcc.edu/events.