Wadsworth Center plans need funding in state budget

I was shocked reading Amanda Fries’ article “Wadsworth plan left out of budget,” Jan. 26. The title alone was jarring. How could the state not include funding for the new Wadsworth Center? Has Wadsworth proven its return on investment over the years, and even now as we battle COVID -19? My answer is yes. Can we afford not to invest in the new Wadsworth Center? My answer is no.

When the governor announced his plan to build a $750 million life sciences public health laboratory to replace the current aging and disjointed facilities, he had the Capital Region Chamber’s full support. When the decision was made to locate the new Wadsworth Center on the Harriman Campus, we were completely in support. The fact is this new world-class, state-of-the-art laboratory will complement and enhance the research that is already being conducted in our region’s hospitals, universities and private laboratories. The new Wadsworth Center will be an asset to our region, state and nation. It will help retain their highly skilled staff who are part of our communities and attract others needed to fill the hundreds of jobs that the laboratory will require.

We call upon the governor and Legislature to restore funding and reaffirm their commitment to build the new Wadsworth Center at the Harriman Campus. Stalling this project is not an option. I look forward to reading an article titled, “Worldclass Wadsworth Center completed.”

Mark N. Eagan Albany President and CEO, Capital Region Chamber and the Center for Economic Growth