Albany, NY — Construction is officially underway on a $1.7 billion, state-of-the-art public health laboratory that state leaders say will dramatically strengthen New York’s ability to detect, prevent, and respond to emerging public health threats.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the start of construction for the new Wadsworth Center laboratory, a flagship project that will consolidate five existing laboratory sites across the Greater Albany region into a single, modern facility on the W. Averell Harriman Campus. The new laboratory is expected to be completed in 2030 and will serve as a cornerstone of New York’s long-term public health preparedness strategy.
“The new Wadsworth Center Laboratory is a powerful investment in the health of every person in New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “The lab will allow the State to better predict and prepare for emerging threats to public health and will be one of the most authoritative public health laboratories in the country, impacting public health policy and practice at the state, national and international level.”
The Wadsworth Center, founded in 1901, has evolved into the largest and most diverse state public health laboratory in the nation. Today, it is nationally recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other federal agencies as a reference center for infectious diseases, environmental hazards, and toxicological threats—protecting communities well beyond New York’s borders.
New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald emphasized the laboratory’s role in advancing disease surveillance and research.
“The Department of Health’s new Wadsworth Center Laboratory is testament to Governor Hochul’s commitment to protecting public health by keeping New York State at the forefront of advancements in disease surveillance,” Dr. McDonald said. “This facility will help us ensure our nation-leading public health research laboratory remains on the cutting edge of biomedical and environmental research critical to protecting public health.”
The project is being delivered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), with a design-build team led by a joint venture between Gilbane Building Company and Turner Construction Company, in association with HOK architects. The five-story laboratory will span approximately 663,000 gross square feet and is designed to be adaptable over its lifespan, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, energy efficiency, and operational resilience.
“DASNY is proud to deliver this transformational $1.7 billion project for the Department of Health,” said DASNY President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez. “As the state's construction and financing authority, we are committed to building infrastructure that serves New Yorkers for generations to come. This represents one of the most significant public health laboratory projects in the nation, and our team is working closely with our design-build partners to ensure the Wadsworth Center receives a world-class facility worthy of its renowned scientific mission. We thank Governor Hochul for her vision and commitment to this critical investment in New York's public health infrastructure.”
Once complete, the facility will house nearly 800 staff members and foster deeper collaboration with nearby institutions, including the University at Albany and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food Laboratory. These partnerships build on academic and research relationships that date back decades.
The Wadsworth Center currently leads several nationally recognized programs, including detection and surveillance efforts during the 2022 poliovirus outbreak, statewide wastewater surveillance for emerging pathogens, environmental health monitoring under the Safe Drinking Water Act, and advanced diagnostic testing for tuberculosis, Mpox, and influenza. Its newborn screening program alone serves more than 210,000 babies annually, providing early diagnoses for more than 50 disorders.
State and local leaders highlighted the broader economic and workforce impacts of the investment, particularly for the Capital Region.
“For the last decade, I've advocated for the rebuild and consolidation of the Wadsworth Public Health Laboratory, and I commend the Governor for supporting this investment,” said State Senator Patricia Fahy. “This $1.7 billion investment in a state-of-the-art Public Health Lab for New York is the largest public investment in the Capital Region in decades and should be designed to ensure a positive multiplier effect for Albany.”
Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh, underscored the lab’s importance to both public health leadership and the regional economy.
“Wadsworth Laboratory is a worldwide leader when it comes to research and public health and has been a tremendous resource to the Capital Region, and beyond,” McDonald said. “Now, more than ever, New York must continue to be a leader on the public health front.”
As the Wadsworth Center marks its 125th anniversary this year, state officials say the new laboratory will ensure the institution’s legacy continues—positioning New York at the forefront of public health innovation for generations to come.
Originally reported by Governor New York Government.
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