June 18, 2003

Request for $275 million in building, remodeling projects approved by Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board

Contact Public Affairs: Linda Kohl, Public Affairs, (651) 296-9595 or Nancy Conner, (651) 296-0541

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities will ask the Legislature next year to approve $275 million in construction and remodeling projects statewide. The Board of Trustees today approved the list of 32 projects that will be submitted to the 2004 Legislature for approval.

The top priority on the list is $100 million in repairs and revitalization of classrooms, laboratories and infrastructure such as roofs, mechanical and electrical systems, and health and safety improvements at all 53 campuses.

The balance of $175 million is being requested for 31 capital improvement projects including completion of science buildings at Minnesota State University Moorhead and Winona State University, a classroom and student services addition at Lake Superior College in Duluth, a classroom addition and workforce center at St. Cloud Technical College, and numerous other laboratory and classroom additions and renovations.

"As we serve increasing numbers of students, the need for updating and expanding space for high-demand programs is greater than ever," said Board Chair Mary Choate.

Legislators will visit campuses around the state this summer and fall to become familiar with the capital requests.

In its recent special session, the Legislature approved $59.7 million for 17 capital projects for the system that had been vetoed the previous year. Gov. Tim Pawlenty signed the state bonding bill last week at Southwest State University in Marshall.

"We are grateful to the Legislature and the governor for enabling us to move forward with these timely and much-needed improvements on our campuses," said Chancellor James H. McCormick.

See attached list of projects.

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system comprises 33 state universities, community colleges, technical colleges and combined community and technical colleges located on 53 campuses across the state. The system serves approximately 235,000 students annually in credit-based courses and another 130,000 in non-credit courses.