State Sen. David Valesky (D-Oneida) recently announced $1 million in state capital funding for economic development in what is being called “Equine Alley” on Route 20 in Madison County.
Valesky has directed grants to Cazenovia College and Morrisville State College for equine-related projects that are expected to increase the region’s visibility, strengthen its equine industry and provide substantial economic impact to the region.
Both colleges are located along Route 20 in Madison County, nicknamed Equine Alley because of its high concentration of horse farms, nationally recognized college programs, equestrian events and equine-related businesses. The corridor is responsible for a growing portion of the state’s equestrian industry development.
“The equine industry has become a substantial economic driver in Central New York,” Valesky said. “We are fortunate to have two colleges–Cazenovia College and Morrisville State College–with nationally recognized equine programs that continue to be major catalysts for growth, and I am pleased to help them expand their offerings from both an educational and economic development perspective.”
Cazenovia College will receive $500,000 to help develop its New York State Center for Equine Business Development.
“This capital funding will enable Cazenovia College to make modifications to the facilities of our Equine Education Center,” said Cazenovia College President Mark J. Tierno. “These necessary steps will allow us to add the new and expanding agenda of the New York State Center for Equine Business Development to the other activities that take place here at our farm.”
Morrisville State College will receive $500,000 to purchase a hyperbaric chamber for its planned Equine Rehabilitation and Physiology Center.
The hyperbaric chamber uses oxygen therapy, introducing high levels of oxygen into the bloodstream to enhance healing. Due to an increase in construction costs for the facility, the college was considering delaying purchase of the hyperbaric chamber, but will now be able to purchase the equipment through funds made available by the capital grant.
The Equine Rehabilitation and Physiology Center will serve as a learning laboratory for students as well as providing an important resource and training center for the equine racing industry in New York state and the Northeast.
The facility will be equipped to condition horses, provide physical therapy for injured horses, and to study and research methods to improve equine conditioning and training. In addition to the hyperbaric chamber, it will feature state-of-the-art equipment such as an aquaciser (underwater treadmill), therapy swimming pool, Eurociser (computer operated walker with variable speeds) and physiology lab. Stabling for horses is also planned.
The college will offer an Equine Rehabilitation concentration within its Equine Science bachelor degree and is developing a bachelor degree in Equine Science and Physiology.
“When we realized we could not afford the hyperbaric chamber, Senator Valesky stepped in,” Morrisville State College President Ray Cross said. “Having this equipment will put our Center head and shoulders above others in the Northeast, and will draw more horses and their owners to Madison County.”
Valesky announced the grants during visits to each college on Oct. 14, where he spoke to administrators, faculty and students about the importance of the industry in Upstate New York, specifically Madison County.
