Photo Flash: Senator Seward Announces $250K Grant for Cortland Rep

State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) announced that a recently adopted senate resolution includes, at his insistence, $250,000 to provide assistance with the "Cortland Repertory Theatre Downtown" project. Scroll down for photos of the Senator and Cortland Repertory Theatre's Producing Artistic Director Kerby Thompson during the announcement before the preview performance of "Shipwrecked! An Entertainment", last night, August 14!

"Cortland Repertory Theatre has a storied tradition of providing the best in entertainment as well as serving as a community leader and economic driver," said Senator Seward. "I am pleased to partner with the theatre as strides to increase its year-round programming in downtown Cortland move forward."

The legislative grant secured by Senator Seward is begin used to assist major renovations at the Cortland Repertory Theatre's downtown Cortland building that will ready the building for year-round use. The grant is in addition to a $180,000 "Rural Area Revitalization Projects" grant that was previously awarded. A successful capital campaign conducted by the theatre has also generated strong support.

Cortland Repertory Theatre Producing Artistic Director Kerby Thompson said, "On behalf of Cortland Repertory Theatre and its CRT Downtown capital campaign, we are so grateful and honored by the news of the funding obtained by Senator Seward. Sometimes it seems she our campaign committee is at wits end, a gift like this comes along and our energy for our campaign is renewed. As those in Senator Seward's district know well, he has always supported so many local endeavors in the arts, education, recreation and economic development -- this project envelops all of these worthy sectors."

"Along with providing top-notch entertainment that helps expand our region's growing tourism sector, Cortland Repertory Theatre works closely with area youth providing them an educational introduction into the world of theater and vital life skills. This type of activity is exactly what business and families consider when deciding on where to open shop or raise a family," Seward concluded.