By Sarah Killip / Copy Editor

SUNY Brockport is currently in phase 2-A of a construction plan to fix failing utility systems across campus. Gary Morog, Brockport’s supervisor of construction, explained which pipe lines are being worked on and why.  

“The utilities that service all of our buildings begin to age and deteriorate the minute they are placed in the ground; some piping actually still exists from when the campus was originally constructed,” Morog said. “We have reached that time where state funding was available and the need presented itself to make critical infrastructure improvements to our utilities. These include systems such as storm water, sewage, communication, electrical, and domestic water distribution systems.” 

Cameras are used to assess the pipes’ conditions and determine which need to be worked on. 

“Some lines that are in better condition can be slip lined, which does not require costly excavation and backfilling of open trenches, while some lines need to be completely removed and replaced because of their failing condition,” Morog said. “This is also the perfect time for us to remove our old central plant high temperature hot water tunnel system that previously provided heat to the north side of campus. We do our best not to abandon old utility systems in the ground because it only gets costlier as time progresses and presents coordination issues with future work.” 

Phase one of this project enveloped the east side of campus, whereas the current phase begins right around the south–facing door of Dailey Hall and extends out to Commencement Drive. 

“To the best of our ability, we try very hard to complete construction before students arrive so as not to interfere with their collegiate experience. Some projects, such as this one, are just too expansive for that to occur,” Morog said. 

The design of this project started roughly six years ago and future phases are currently being drafted to address the remainder of campus.