Albany County has been awarded more than $1.8 million in new funding from the New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming (NY SWIMS) initiative to provide no to low-cost swimming programs for the general public, County Executive Daniel P. McCoy announced Friday.

The NY SWIMS initiative aims to help municipalities design, construct, and modernize public swimming facilities in order to increase access to safe swimming and outdoor recreation opportunities.

“This is a long-term investment in the health, safety, and well-being of our community,” said McCoy. “Swimming is a life skill, and access to a public pool ensures that everyone in our community, regardless of their economic status, has the opportunity to learn and enjoy this essential activity. I thank Governor Hochul for her continued efforts to improve public health and safety through this innovative program and thank you to Assemblyman John McDonald for his support.”

This grant will help Albany County to re-open the Cohoes Aquatic Center, increasing programming for our children, elders, at-risk community members, and the general public.