Posted Feb 13, 2009, 1:45 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Downtown Los Angeles
Posts: 19,388
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stevena07
Most projects to continue despite state budget cuts
Jed Layton- Utah Chronicle
The U is continuing to plan, construct and renovate university buildings, despite budget cuts being implemented by the Utah Legislature.
Fred Esplin, vice president of institutional advancement, said the U shouldn’t stop constructing buildings. He said to do so would hurt students, the U and the surrounding community.
“A university needs to keep growing or it starts to die,” he said. “It is like anything else—if you aren’t moving forward, you are moving backward.”
Planned Buildings:
USTAR complex:
The USTAR complex will be built on the golf course and will house researchers working with the Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative.
In a move to give back funding to Utah agencies, the Utah Legislature removed nearly $50 million in cash that was originally intended for the building. Kim Wirthlin, U vice president for government relations, said she expected the building to be bonded instead.
“The USTAR is moving forward, period. There will be no delay in construction,” said Mike Perez, vice president of facilities management. said. Perez said he expects construction to start late spring or early summer.
2. Universe Project:
Mike Perez, vice president of facilities management, said the College of Nursing building is a major remodeling project that is underway.
“The occupants are moved and the money is in the bank,” he said.
Brinkman said the Legislature provided a one-time package last year for funding, on the condition that the U could provide matching donations, which it did.
3. David Eccles School of Business Building
The U is asking the Legislature for resources to construct a new business school building. Paul Brinkman, associate vice president for budget and planning, said funding would come through bonding. Utah has a Triple-A bonding rate, the best available.
“This is probably the most important building for us this year,” he said.
4. College of Nursing
Mike Perez, vice president of facilities management, said the College of Nursing building is a major remodeling project that is underway.
“The occupants are moved and the money is in the bank,” he said.
Brinkman said the Legislature provided a one-time package last year for funding, on the condition that the U could provide matching donations, which it did.
Detailed building plan can be found here: http://nursing.utah.edu/development/...ningcenter.pdf
5. Marriott Library:
Mike Perez, vice president of facilities management, said the construction on the library is nearing completion as renovations are being made near the west entrance. The Legislature paid for part of the renovations, Brinkman said.
“There is no fear about funding not coming through for the library,” Brinkman said. “Funding is done, it is safe.”
6. Utah Museum of Natural History:
Funding was given one year ago for the new museum building, said Paul Brinkman, associate vice president for budget and planning,. However, he said it could be possible for the U to exchange the previously given cash for bonding
“If they got desperate for additional revenue they could bond,” he said. “But they normally try to avoid borrowing if they can help it.”
Mike Perez, vice president of facilities management, said there would be no negative legislative impact on the museum project.
7. Huntsman Cancer Hospital addition:
Mike Perez, vice president of facilities management, said funding for the additions to the Huntsman Cancer Hospital was provided through donations, hospital funding and private bonding.
“The additions were paid for privately,” he said. “The Legislature will not impact its construction.”
Perez said the designs for the building are near completion. Construction will begin soon after designs are finished.
8. Park Building:
Paul Brinkman, associate vice president for budget and planning, said the U gets $12 million to $15 million each year from the Legislature to do major preventative maintenance on campus buildings. The construction under way on the Park Building was paid for with this funding.
 (Before renovation)
http://www.dailyutahchronicle.com/ne...cuts-1.1371477
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