Chautauqua County relies heavily on the State University of New York when it comes to education and employment. Both the campuses at Fredonia and Jamestown Community College not only turnout top level graduates, they also help drive the workforce.

That much is apparent after a study this week by the Rockefeller Institute of Government and its findings that the SUNY system generates $35.5 billion in economic impact annually statewide.

“A thriving and successful SUNY system helps ensure a strong and prosperous New York, and this report further demonstrates that fact,” said SUNY Chancellor John King said. ”Thanks to the investment by Gov. (Kathy) Hochul and the State Legislature, SUNY has seen enrollment growth across every sector for the past three years in a row, and our campuses throughout New York state are able to provide an affordable, excellent public education, great jobs for New Yorkers, and serve as regional economic hubs. Investing in SUNY is investing in New York’s current and long-term economic prosperity. It is no wonder that every dollar of state investment generates more than $7 in returns to New York state.”

In Western New York alone, 27,095 total jobs are supported by SUNY with 15,300 of those being employed through the system. All these employees, the report found, contribute $4.9 billion to the region’s economy. Even closer to home, a rough estimate both county campuses employ a combined number of around 1,500.

SUNY is facing a time of evolution as it copes with declining student numbers at a number of campuses. What’s reassuring is that even in some troubling times, the system still packs plenty of power when it comes to keeping the region running.