A List
5/20/01

SLU DOUBLES CANTON INITIATIVE COMMITMENT TO $2 MILLION

CANTON -- The St. Lawrence University Board of Trustees, at its meeting 
on Saturday, May 19, agreed to commit an additional $1 million to the 
Canton Initiative, the University's program of co-investment in the community 
towards projects of mutual benefit, bringing St. Lawrence's total commitment 
to over $2 million.
	The program was begun in 1997, with a commitment of $1 million. In 
2000, the University contributed $280,000 towards the construction of a new 
fire station in Canton as part of the Canton Initiative, over and above the 
initial $1 million.
	To date, the Canton Initiative has invested that $1 million in a 
variety of projects that met the program's three goals: to increase the 
property tax base of the Village of Canton, broaden the community's economic 
base and make aesthetic improvements in the area. Among the projects that 
the University has co-invested in through the program are a canoe launch; 
the development, improvement or expansion of several downtown businesses; 
the re-location of the headquarters of Traditional Arts of Upstate New York; 
and construction or renovation of residences through the local chapter of 
Habitat for Humanity. The Canton Initiative also makes an annual contribution 
of $15,000 towards the funding of an economic developer position for the 
village.
	Future projects prompting the additional commitment of funds include 
continued development of Willow Island property in the Grass River; an 
exploration of the potential market for condominium-type residences; the 
development of a women's health center on East Main Street; construction 
financing for the Morley Grist Mill; and landscaping enhancements to several 
village locations being undertaken by the Canton Garden Club.
	The Canton Initiative Board also passed a resolution thanking member 
Howard Smith, who is leaving his post as superintendent of Canton Central 
School, for his commitment to the community and to the Canton Initiative.

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