Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara announced that he secured $10 million in the state budget for a new arena and event center to be constructed at Mohawk Harbor in Schenectady. The arena will provide a state-of-the-art space for community events and meetings, concerts and performances, as well as serve as the future home of the Union College men’s and women’s hockey teams. As budget negotiations got under way, Santabarbara made the funding request back in March in a letter to the Assembly Speaker. Santabarbara’s request was supported by Schenectady County and City of Schenectady leaders, the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority and Union College.

“Now that the funding has been secured, I look forward to working together with everyone to make this next big project here in Schenectady a reality,” Santabarbara said. “Since I was first elected to the Assembly, I’ve worked tirelessly to secure state funding to revitalize our communities and attract new businesses to our area,” said Santabarbara. “For years, Schenectady has been exploring the creation of a new arena. With the Rivers Casino project complete and the Mohawk Harbor up and running, this is the next big endeavor here in Schenectady. Bringing this significant funding home this year is a win-win for our community,” Santabarbara added. “It’s a multipurpose project that will have a positive impact on our community as well as the local economy and tourism, adding to all Schenectady has to offer as a destination. That’s why I worked throughout the budget process to ensure this important funding was included in this year’s state budget.”

“This announcement is yet another incredible milestone in the history of Schenectady’s revitalization,” said City of Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy. “On behalf of the City of Schenectady, we are truly grateful for Assemblyman Santabarbara’s leadership to secure this critical economic development funding that will continue to enhance our waterfront and strengthen our community.”

“We are thankful that the state budget includes funding to help build a new home for Union College’s Division 1 hockey program and other events at Mohawk Harbor,” said Anthony Jasenski, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “Our focused and well-executed economic development efforts have made Schenectady County a destination for visitors from the Capital Region and beyond. We thank Assemblyman Santabarbara and Governor Hochul for providing this critical funding to help bring this important project to fruition.”

David Buicko, CEO of the Galesi Group said, “I am very grateful to Assemblyman Santabarbara and Governor Hochul for including this funding for Union College in the new State budget. The Galesi Group is donating the land needed for the new rink coupled with this $10 million in funding will put us that much closer to our goal of creating a first-class hockey, sports and entertainment facility at Mohawk Harbor.”