Construction on a $22 million Biotechnology Research Center on the site of the former Kennedy Square Apartments in Syracuse remains at a standstill. The project, which is being led by both SUNY Upstate Medical University and SUNY ESF, is awaiting the transfer of state funding for construction to continue. Our Brad Vivacqua reports.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Many people may have noticed that the foundation for the new biotech center went up this past spring, but things have remained stagnant here on the site for about two months.

Currently three stories of large steel beams sit on the vacant property which formerly housed the Kennedy Square Apartments.

Once complete this facility is expected to bring a number of firms together here for research, education, and create future business opportunities in the biotechnology field.

SUNY has a construction fund designated for this project and is awaiting $4.2 million to be transferred from the State Senate.

SUNY ESF President Doctor Neil Murphy says that he's anticipating some work on the site will be able to resume in the coming weeks.

"There will be some amendment to the structural contract in order to secure the structural work that's been completed to date over the winter and that work will start in the not too distant future,” said Dr. Neil Murphy, SUNY ESF President.

Murphy says once the funds are transferred into the construction fund bid packages will be going out to construction companies.

Work on the new facility should be back on track by next spring and it's now anticipated this will be complete by the spring of 2012.

The Center of Excellence is located just down the street and Doctor Murphy says the future looks pretty positive for more growth in this area.

The new center will occupy about only a portion of this property which is now owned by SUNY.