Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara convened in Rotterdam this morning, gathering at the ViaPort Mall to mark a significant step towards the forthcoming Capital Region Aquatic Center. An additional $2.5 million in capital funding from Santabarbara’s office, was unveiled for the construction of the new aquatic facility. This announcement supplements the $2.5 million funding provided by Santabarbara's office in 2022, effectively elevating the State Assembly's total investment to $5 million.

Complementing the capital funding, an additional $105,000 will now also be allocated from Assemblyman Santabarbara's office to provide "Learn to Swim" initiatives in partnership with the Schenectady City School District. This program will impart essential swimming skills to more than 700 second-grade students, potentially saving lives in the process.

Assemblyman Santabarbara expressed the profound value of the Capital Region Aquatic Center, emphasizing its multifaceted contributions to the local community and economy. The facility will not only offer educational opportunities for residents and youngsters to master swimming but also serve as a training ground for athletes and a rehabilitative venue for injury recovery. He underscored the project’s role as a communal center for aquatic recreation, athletic training, and employment prospects.

The envisioned Aquatic Center is poised to lease a substantial 80,000 square feet at Via Port Rotterdam, accommodating three pools, including an expansive 50-meter Olympic-sized pool and a dedicated platform diving well. The establishment's scope extends beyond standard facilities, encompassing tailored programs for veterans, individuals with special needs, underserved populations, and adults. The tour was attended by essential figures, including Capital Region Aquatic Center Board President Kara Haraden, Schenectady County Legislators Gary Hughes, and Richard Ruzzo.

Santabarbara expressed enthusiasm for this project as part of their ongoing community enhancement endeavors. He anticipates continued collaboration with Speaker Heastie and fellow State Assembly members to propel communities like Rotterdam towards a progressive future.

“This project continues our revitalization efforts bringing new experiences and opportunities to our community. I look forward to continued work with Speaker Heastie and my colleagues in the State Assembly to keep moving communities like Rotterdam forward,” said Santabarbara.

“The Capital Region is a place full of growth,” said Speaker Heastie. “I’m honored Assemblyman Santabarbara invited me to tour the site of the new aquatic center, where a new generation will have access to swimming lessons, water therapy and programs to support communities in need.”

“We have spent the past decade tirelessly working to make the Capital Region Aquatic Center a reality and this additional $2.5 million from Assemblyman Santabarbara gets us that much closer to filling a critical need in our area,” said Kara Haraden, board president of Capital Region Aquatic Center.“This will be a true community resource, not only teaching children and adults how to swim, but it will also be an economic driver. We are beyond grateful that our leadership in the State Assembly understands and appreciates its importance. This is an investment in the future of our city, county, and the greater Capital Region as a whole.”