Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) and Broome County Executive Barbara Fiala announced today that the 2008-2009 New York State budget includes $1.5 million to renovate the Alms House on the Broome Community College Campus. Lupardo worked to secure the funding to renovate the 140 year old historic building in the recently passed budget.

“The Alms House is a historic land mark in our community that has the potential to play a new and exciting role at BCC,” said Assemblywoman Lupardo. “I applaud County Executive Fiala for her vision in recognizing the importance of the Alms House, both in our community’s past and future.”

“We are currently working on an exciting idea that we think will be a good fit for the college and the community at large,” said Executive Fiala. “This $1.5 million dollars secured by Assemblywoman Lupardo is going to keep the Alms House from being torn down and it will provide us the necessary time to proceed with our feasibility study for the building. I want to thank the Assemblywoman for her dedication to this project.”

With the county matching the $1.5 million in state funding, the project could total $3 million. County officials are currently discussing possible uses for the building with BCC and members of the community. Plans must be submitted for the renovation by January 2009 in order to meet a deadline set by the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control.