LOCKE ENDORSES $106.3 MILLION CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION BUDGET
FOR WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES
A $12.7 million expansion of the home of Washington State University`s Edward R. Murrow School of Communication, a $12.4 million Physics building, a $15.5 million WSU Vancouver Multi-media Classroom Building, and a new Pullman power plant are among new buildings recommended by Gov. Gary Locke that could begin construction this fall if the Washington Legislature agrees.
The proposed 2001-2003 capital construction budget drew praise from Washington State University as it provides more than $106 million in a difficult budget year for new projects for the institution, everything from construction of a new $23 million plant to heat the Pullman campus to funds to remodel classrooms and repair roofs.
The Murrow Addition
Construction on the 24,022-square-foot addition to the Murrow building, in the historic heart of the university`s Pullman campus, could be underway next summer. Communications is one of the fastest-growing areas at WSU, turning away more than 30 percent of the students that apply. The school is ranked 13th in the country and includes areas such broadcast journalism, print reporting and editing, public relations, and advertising. The Radio and Television News Directors Association rank the Murrow school among the top four broadcasting schools. The new Murrow addition will house a new teaching television studio, research laboratories for analyzing audience reactions to programming, and classrooms. There are currently about 700 Communications majors and 750 pre-majors.
The Shock Physics Building
The WSU Institute of Shock Physics was recommended for a new 29,000 square feet building. It will be adjacent to the Webster Physical Sciences Building in Pullman, which will also have some classrooms renovated as part of the project. The governor fully funds the requested $10.6 million for the construction phase of the project. WSU`s research in shock physics, which analyzes the collision of materials, is among the best in the country.
The WSU Vancouver Multimedia/Electronic Classroom Building
This innovative $18.5 million building at WSU Vancouver will provide facilities such as a multimedia production lab, photography darkrooms, and computer laboratories to focus on how graphics and design treatment influences communication and learning. Many of the programs will be in Humanities and Social Sciences. The governor fully funds the construction phase of the project that could begin before this fall. Not included in the WSU budget but also recommended are design funds for a $19.5 million classroom building for Clark College on the campus of WSU Vancouver. The Clark project is supported by WSU as a way to improve the ability of students to move from the community college into upper-division WSU programs. Design funds are also recommended for a new WSU Vancouver student services building.
Pullman Power Plant
Funding for the Power Plant, WSU`s highest capital priority, was provided about $8 million less than WSU`s requested level of $31 million. The governor`s staff did not recommend funding of cogeneration turbines that were included in the original request. WSU is working to see if an acceptable alternative can be found to keep the project within the governor`s recommendation.
GOVERNOR RECOMMENDS DESIGN OF NEW BUILDINGS INCLUDING THE CUB, JOHNSON HALL.
The governor has approved WSU`s request for $346,000 to do the preliminary design work on a new Compton Union Building that could begin construction during the 2005-2007 biennium. Students contributed $300,000 of additional funds to complete the preliminary design of a renovation that is expected to cost approximately $45 million.
The governor approved $3.5 million to design a new Johnson Hall Addition in plant biosciences. When design is completed this biennium, WSU will be positioned to ask the 2003 Legislature for construction funds to house biotechnology research projects now crowded into the existing Johnson Hall building. The estimated cost of the project will be about $40 million. Johnson Hall addition is WSU`s number one academic capital priority. WSU will seek an additional $10 million in funding from the federal government.
WSU Spokane
The governor also approved $2.3 million for a new WSU Spokane building that will complete the move of most WSU downtown operations to Riverpoint.
Heald Hall Replacement and Plant Biosciences
Indications are that the governor will support additional pre-design projects that could lead to an estimated $50 million replacement of Heald Hall and a new Plant Biosciences Building to be constructed in 2005-2007.
EXECUTIVE BUDGET FAILS TO RECOMMEND FUNDING OF CLEVELAND HALL ADDITION
The major disappointment for WSU in the proposed executive budget was the decision not to recommend $10.2 million in construction funds for the addition to the Pullman building which houses WSU`s College of Education. Some legislators, including members of the 9th District delegation, have questioned this decision. WSU is hopeful that this issue can be re-examined by the Legislature and the governor during the upcoming legislative session. Cleveland Addition won approval for pre-design four years ago, received funding for design two years ago, and was ready for construction this fall.
This update is shared by broadcast fax and electronic mail to friends of Washington State University as state government developments regarding the 2001 Legislative Session. Contact Michelle Delaney, WSU Government Relations, 509/335-6292 to be added to the list. Call Larry Ganders at 360/956-2165; From WSU Campuses, Dial 8-2165. E-mail: Ganders@energy.wsu.edu. In the Seattle area, call Jane Yung at 425-373-9090. For bill status and other info, visit our improved web page at www.olympia.wsu.edu.