RCSD granted money for last phase of modernization project

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The Rochester City School District will get the money it needs to complete the final phase of its modernization project.

Phase 3 legislation has stalled in the Assembly and Senate for years but this go-around, it finally passed.

Friday Gov. Kathy Hochul signed it into law.

The nearly $500 million plan will create hundreds of construction and infrastructure jobs and it will modernize 11 school buildings to better serve students.

"We want them to stay in the city,” said State Sen. Jeremey Cooney (D, 56). “We want them to feel that we have their backs, and so we have to provide and put our best foot forward by giving them the best facilities for their scholar to learn."

One reason this legislation took so long to move is because of issues during the first phase of work.

That’s why checks and balances are written into the law for phase 3.