Boilermaker Road Race to use state grant for energy-efficient upgrades at Utica HQ

UTICA, N.Y. — The Boilermaker Road Race, Inc. will use a state grant of $50,000 to make energy-efficient upgrades to its headquarters in Utica.

New York State Senator Joseph Griffo (R–Rome) secured the funding and announced the grant in a visit to the organization’s Court Street headquarters on Tuesday.

The Boilermaker Road Race organizes the annual 15-kilometer road race of the same name held in Utica during the summer.

The organization purchased its new headquarters, the former R.J. Nudo Building, in April. It dates back to 1880, and many of its windows are at least 50 years old, according to a news release from Griffo’s office.

The group plans to use the entire $50,000 to defray the cost of replacing 46 windows.

A healthy environment is “vital” to a healthy lifestyle, so the Boilermaker organizers try to “go green” wherever possible, Tim Reed, president of the Boilermaker, said in the Griffo news release.

“We thank Senator Griffo for securing these funds so that we can put that philosophy into practice and make this old building consume less energy than it is right now. These renovations are also necessary if, in the future, we expand our organization and make use of the third floor,” Reed said.

The Boilermaker is one of the region’s “signature” events, attracting 17,000 competitors to downtown Utica, Griffo said in the release. “It is a great weekend for family, for fitness and for fun. I’m pleased to help in the way that I can to ensure that the Boilermaker organization can use its resources more efficiently and continue to put on such a wonderful event.”

The next Boilermaker weekend is set for July 11-12, 2015.

The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) is the administrator of the funds that Griffo secured, his office said. DASNY is the state’s facilities finance and construction authority.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com