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President seeks funding for capital projects
University President David P. Roselle, in remarks to lawmakers, expressed the hope that improved economic conditions in Delaware would help to restore the full financial partnership between UD and the state. Roselle also reminded legislators of UD’s willingness to work with the state in addressing budget issues during lean economic times. “The University has been an active partner with the state in addressing resource constraints over the years,” Roselle said. “It is my hope that we can enhance our partnership with the state in addressing the capital needs of Delaware’s pre-eminent institution of higher education. In light of our proactive partnership, we ask that you assist us with our capital request to the greatest extent possible. Roselle said that by investing more than $5 of its own resources for every state dollar it receives, UD provides an extraordinary leverage for state money appropriated for capital projects. “I know of no other public higher education institution in the country with that record, and certainly no other agency within the state of Delaware provides that sort of leverage,” Roselle said. “In lean economic times, it simply makes good sense to invest funds where there is a significant return, and in Delaware, that clearly is our University.” FY2006 capital budget requests Heading the list for FY2006 capital budget requests is $6 million for the renovation of Brown Laboratory. Named in memory of H. Fletcher Brown, UD benefactor and member of the Board of Trustees from 1929-44, the building houses the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The west and north wings of Brown Laboratory were built in 1936-37 and 1960-61, respectively, and are in need of modernization with respect to physical space and technology, Roselle said. The $22 million project, which will be shared between UD and the state, is essential in providing state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Roselle said. Any decrease in state commitment to the project, Roselle said, means that UD will have to take funds earmarked for other projects to bridge the gap in funding until the state’s obligation is fully realized. “What is at stake here is a lot of funded research,” Roselle said. “We have $140 million worth of research contracts, and the faculty needs a modern space to secure contracts and to do the research. The $1.5 million recommended by the governor for FY2006 is well below our needs.” Facilities renewal and renovation Roselle also asked legislators to include $1.5 million for facilities renewal and renovation that was previously appropriated to UD’s operating budget in FY2003 and FY2004 but did not appear as part of the governor’s recommended operating or capital budget for FY2006. The state, Roselle said, would not be asked to assume the full burden of facilities renewal and renovation because UD would be matching the state’s commitment on at least a one-to-one basis. “These funds are absolutely essential to supporting continued renovation of our academic buildings,” Roselle said. “To summarily lose those funds places an undue burden on a University that has been more than responsive in using its own resources to assist the state through difficult economic times.” Minor capital improvements The University also is seeking $1 million in funds not recommended by the governor for minor capital improvements and equipment. Roselle said the loss of this standard request, combined with the loss of $1.5 million for facilities renewal and renovation would impose an undue hardship on the university. “The funds requested in FY2006 are to be used for teaching and research equipment in the life and health sciences and in the area of engineering infrastructure,” Roselle said. “As was the case with our request for facilities renewal and renovation, UD will match state-appropriated dollars on at least a one-to-one basis. Major campus projects update Roselle also noted that the governor recommended a $2 million appropriation for FY2006 for the Elbert N. and Ann V. Carvel Research and Education Center in Georgetown. “With the passing of Gov. Elbert Carvel last February, the new center is a fitting tribute to the long-time Sussex County resident,” Roselle said. “The facility will enable our College of Agriculture and Natural Resources to add new programs and program enhancements that are currently not feasible due to space constraints.” Core components of the Carvel Research and Education Center include multiple meeting rooms and an ITV studio. Also located in the center will be 34 offices to house programs including the Master Gardeners Program, as well as expanded food and nutrition, nutrient management, weed science, agriculture and poultry programs, along with Cooperative Extension programs. Groundbreaking for the new center, which is located on Route 9 just north of Georgetown, was held in October 2004. The 24,000-square-foot facility replaces the 65-year-old Research and Education Center. Funding for the $7.6 million project is supported by a $2 million donation by the Carvel family, as well as $4 million in state funding and a UD contribution of $1.6 million. Center for the Arts While thanking legislators for consideration of various finding requests for FY2006, Roselle also discussed three major capital projects for which UD has not requested state assistance. During an accompanying slide presentation, Roselle told legislators that construction was proceeding on the new $48 million Center for the Arts. The 91,000-square-foot facility will include a 450-seat proscenium theatre, a theatre rehearsal room and a 200-seat recital hall. Other features include an orchestra rehearsal room with retractable seating for 300, plus 32 individual music practice rooms and a full complement of performance support spaces. “The Center for the Arts will give students a place to showcase and develop their talents,” Roselle said. “One room will be large enough for the 350-member UD Marching Band to hold indoor practices." A $12 million parking garage located near the new Center for the Arts opened in January. The 717-space garage is a multi-use facility, with pay-to-park spaces, as well as employee and resident student gated parking areas. Laird Residence Hall Complex The 1,000-bed residence hall complex on the Laird Campus will replace the existing Pencader residence halls with facilities that meet the needs of today’s students, Roselle said. The 500-bed George Read Hall, the first building in the new $72 million Laird Hall Residence Hall Complex, is scheduled to open this fall, Roselle said. The remaining Pencader Complex will be replaced by two 250-bed buildings, all built in the Georgian style of the main campus. The project also includes a new walkway and footbridge extending from the Ray Street Residence Hall Complex to the Laird Campus Complex. Each of the three buildings in the 313,000-square feet project will feature resident rooms with semi-private baths, floor lounges and resident assistant rooms. Foreign languages building The $8 million renovation, which will join two former fraternity houses in the Old College area of campus, will include space for the department’s administrative offices, as well as a media language laboratory, 60 faculty offices and approximately 18 part-time faculty spaces. The facility also will house a large conference room that will be made available to the UD community. Construction began in July 2004 and will be completed by January 2006. Article by Jerry Rhodes To learn how to subscribe to UDaily, click here. |
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