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Senator Bruno Announces $10 Million for
Upper Hudson Research Center at Troy

Beacon Institute Facility Will Advance River Technology and Education

Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno today announced a $10 million State investment to build a state-of-the-art, 11,000 square foot environmental research facility along the Hudson River in South Troy that will launch new scientific educational and research initiatives, monitor and protect the Hudson River, and improve public access to the waterfront.

Senator Bruno made the announcement today at the project site, the former home of Rensselaer Iron Works, where he was joined by Governor David Paterson, and other State and local officials.

"This project represents technological innovation at its best – for the tremendous benefit of education, science, and the public, as well as environmental protection and conservation,” Senator Bruno said. “Last week, we talked about investing in Nanotech, this week it’s Rivertech and it will contribute greatly to the Capital Region’s growing worldwide reputation as a center for new technology while, at the same time, converting a blighted area into a beautiful spot for the public to enjoy the river.”

“Our area owes its very history to the Hudson River and this is the biggest step we have ever taken to give back to ensure the future health of the river and its ecosystems,” Senator Bruno said.  “I want to thank Governor Paterson for his support of this project, and thank John Cronin, CEO of the Beacon Institute, RPI President Shirley Jackson, Mayor Harry Tutunjian and County Executive Jimino for making this project happen.  I also want to thank former Governor George Pataki who had the vision for the river and estuary institute eight years ago.”

"Research institutions are blossoming throughout the Upstate New York region because this area offers a hard-working, well-educated workforce and an exceptional quality of life," said Governor Patterson. "The City of Troy has a proud history of harnessing the power of its waterfront and the plans to revitalize this important asset will guarantee the future of the Hudson River and its ecosystems. The Upper Hudson Research Center is a major step towards continuing this tradition of dedication to the watershed, the local community and the people of the Capital District."

“Scientific and technological innovation will become a central focus of New York State’s environmental future. Troy is a strategic choice for The Beacon Institute’s Upper Hudson Research Center, with RPI as a research partner. This convergence of corporate and governmental partners and brilliant intellectual and technological capacity makes the Capital Region and Tech Valley the perfect hub for in-depth study the Upper Hudson,” said John Cronin, Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Beacon Institute.

“We are grateful for Senator Bruno’s vision, leadership and commitment to The Beacon Institute and its mission, and we thank Governor Paterson for New York State’s partnership in this initiative. The Upper Hudson Research Center at Troy is another step towards The Beacon Institute becoming an integral part of the fastest growing economic agenda in the state – technology development.”

The Upper Hudson Research Center of the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries is a partnership among The Beacon Institute, RPI, the City of Troy and the State of New York. The groundbreaking research to take place at this facility will help attract some of the brightest scientific minds in the world to the Tech and Hudson Valleys.

“The Upper Hudson Research Center represents an important collaboration between industry, academia, and the state that will improve the health and maintenance of vital waterways and resources, such as our historic Hudson, around the world,” said Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson. “The Center will combine the technology platforms and scientific expertise of Rensselaer and the Beacon Institute with the dedication of our leadership in government to make Troy a global hub for water-based environmental research. We have the support of the local community as well as the global research community to develop a state-of-the-art research facility that will break new ground in our understanding and conservation of vital rivers, estuaries, and watersheds, will help to educate our next generation of environmentally-responsible scientists and engineers, and will continue to bring economic and cultural revitalization to the Hudson waterfront.”

In August 2007, The Beacon Institute and IBM announced a joint plan to create the first technology-based monitoring and forecasting network for a major American river and estuary.

The River and Estuary Observatory Network (REON) will allow for minute-to-minute monitoring of New York's Hudson River via an integrated network of sensors, robotics and computational technology distributed throughout the 315-mile river. The Upper Hudson Research Center will serve as a critical northern anchor for the REON initiative.

In accordance with the collaboration, The Beacon Institute and IBM are developing an advanced sensor network that will capture data streams and conduct advanced data analysis in real time.  The IBM Stream Computing system can capture data from a multitude of sensors that measure temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and pollution loading; map fish populations via acoustical data; and track particular fish species through radio “tagging.” Once completed, the Institute and IBM anticipate that the network will be replicated on other river systems.

"The Upper Hudson Research Center will build upon the work that IBM and The Beacon Institute initiated last year to advance the study of local and global aquatic ecosystems," said Sharon Nunes, Vice President, Big Green Innovations, IBM. "It is always wonderful to see technology being applied to deliver sustainable solutions that will protect the earth and improve our lives."

Applications of the REON data could include the ability to visualize the movement of chemical constituents, monitor water quality and protect fish species as they migrate, as well as provide a better scientific understanding of river and estuary ecosystems.  REON will make information available to a variety of end-users – from researchers, to teachers and schoolchildren, to policy makers and the general public.

As part of its commitment to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, The Beacon Institute is piloting an innovative, hands-on pilot curriculum with students at Tech Valley High School in Troy in which students are learning to design, build, test, revise and deploy their own environmental sensors. Students displayed their newly created sensors at the news conference.

The funds announced today come from the 2008-09 State budget and will be used for construction of the new facility on Troy’s Hudson River waterfront at the mouth of the Poesten Kill.  The research facility will increase public access to the river, including bike trails, gardens, walkways and boat accommodations.

“Long talked about riverfront revitalization is one step closer to happening today, and for that we are eternally grateful,” Troy Mayor Harry J Tutunjian said. “By working together at the state and local levels we can accomplish great things in New York, and I am thrilled to stand here today and discuss the rebirth of this site with a project that will promote science and education, while improving riverfront access to people of Troy and for those that visit us from around the world.”

"Throughout history the Hudson River has played a vital role in the success of the communities that line her shores.  From the industrial revolution that harnessed her power to the visitors who travel from far and wide to boat, fish, or travel her seemingly endless miles of beauty," said Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen M. Jimino.  "Now, a former industrial site along her shores will be brought back to life, creating needed jobs, and groundbreaking science and technology to help ensure the Hudson River, and waterways around the world become and remain safe and clean."

Construction of the facility will begin following completion of an environmental cleanup of the property as part of New York State’s Environmental Remediation Program.