Paterson slots $5 million for new green jobs program

HYDE PARK — Gov. David Paterson announced the release of $5 million in funds to train alternative energy workers at mid-Hudson community colleges Monday.
The surprise announcement came in midst of an alternative energy conference at which Paterson praised his newly appointed “senator in waiting” Kirsten Gillibrand.
As representative for the state’s 20th Congressional District, Gillibrand, a Democrat, was one of the sponsors of the event.
Paterson announce the creation of a “clean energy training consortium” that will be spearheaded by Ulster County BOCES and will involve programs at Orange and Sullivan, Dutchess and Rockland community colleges
“This should be a real shot in the arm,” the governor said.
Paterson gave the kenynote address at the standing room only conference.
It was an ideal platform for Gillibrand to take the spotlight as the new senator from New York. Paterson named her Friday to take the seat of Hillary Clinton, who has been appointed as secretary of State in the Obama administration.
Elements of the training programs are already up and running at the various community colleges. For instance, SUNY Ulster has a lot of solar effort underway.