Arc Receives $900,000 Grant

To Upgrade Training Building

ONEONTA – The Arc Otsego has been awarded $873,000 from Nonprofit Infrastructure Capital Investment Program awards announced last week by state Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, grant to modernize 102 Browne St., which houses the agency’s employment services division.

The program provides site-based pre-vocational services to 78 people with developmental disabilities through the operation of a light manufacturing facility that includes packaging, assembly and fulfillment services for local businesses.

In addition, the building includes a cafeteria, conference rooms and staff offices for departments including Pathways to Employment, Supported Employment, Site-Based Pre-Vocational Services, Transition Services and Autism Services.

The grant funds, which were awarded through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, will be used to: replace the building’s roof, adding solar panels to improve energy efficiency; replace the current heating and cooling system with a modern HVAC system; replace the current windows with energy-efficient windows; add insulation to the ceiling and windows, and replace the fire alarm system with an updated alert system. The work is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2017.

“These funds will allow the modernization of important part of our service delivery system. Dollars previously allocated for energy costs will be able to be reallocated to provide additional services or support more individuals while providing an energy efficient, clean environment for those individuals receiving supports at the site, ” commented Pat Knuth, executive director of The Arc Otsego.