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President makes capital budget requests
5:35 p.m., May 13, 2006--The University of Delaware requested $12.5 million for continuing renewal and renovation projects, as well as for design work on a new undergraduate research facility in its FY2007 request to the Capital Bond Committee of the Delaware General Assembly on May 11 in Dover. In his opening comments to lawmakers, UD President David P. Roselle said that he hoped to enhance the partnership between the state and its pre-eminent institution of higher learning. Roselle also reminded members of the Capital Bond Committee that by matching each state dollar with $6 of its own, the University provides extraordinary leverage for dollars 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. “It simply makes good sense to invest funds where there is a significant return, and in Delaware, that clearly is your University.” Before identifying specific requests for FY2007, Roselle told bond committee members that the University often funds major construction projects without seeking state funding. “We recently opened Jastak-Burgess Hall, which is now home to our Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures,” Roselle said. "In renovating the facility, the University rebuilt each of the [former fraternity] houses from the walls in, and built an addition that joined them into one of the finest academic spaces on campus.” Cost of the Jastak-Burgess project was about $8 million. Other projects for which UD has received no state money include George Read Hall on the Laird Campus, which was dedicated in September. The 500-bed residence hall is part of a $72 million project that will include two additional, 250-bed residence halls. The project will replace the motel-style Pencader Complex Roselle also showed legislators a presentation featuring the new Center for Arts scheduled to open this fall. “The Center for the Arts will provide the finest studio and performing spaces for both the music and theatre departments, and will be a significant cultural addition to both the city of Newark and the state. Total cost of the project is $48 million. “We take great pride in our campuses and facilities,” Roselle said. “These physical assets exceed $1.4 billion in value, and reflect careful stewardship on the part of our senior management team and facilities departments.” FY2007 capital budget requests Leading the list for FY2007 capital budget requests is $9 million for the renovation of Brown Laboratory. The building, which houses the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, honors the memory of H. Fletcher Brown, UD benefactor and UD Board of Trustee member from 1929-44. The renovation project, which includes the south and west wings, is estimated at $28 million, with $15 million to be requested from the state over the life of the project. The remaining costs will be provided from University resources, Roselle said. “Chemistry is very important in Delaware, and it is important for us to have the right type of facilities,” Roselle said. “The governor recommended $3.5 million for this project, and we request an additional $5.5 million to keep the project on target.” Facilities renewal and renovation Roselle also requested $1.5 million for facilities renewal and renovation that was previously appropriated to UD's operating budget in FY2003 and FY20004, but did not appear as part of the governor's recommended operating or capital budget for FY2006 or FY2007. The University has 3.2 million gross square feet of academic facilities, of which 35 percent are at least 45 years old, Roselle said. “We discussed this omission with the Joint Finance Committee and are calling it to your attention as well,” Roselle said. “We asked these funds be restored either to the operating or capital appropriation. These funds are absolutely essential to supporting continued renovation of our academic buildings.” Minor capital improvements The University also is seeking $1 million for minor capital improvements and equipment, Roselle said. “These funds will be used for targeted research initiatives in the colleges of Marine Studies, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Arts and Sciences and Engineering,” Roselle said. Research areas include molecular biology of DNA repair and its application to genetic medicine; identification of specific genes involved in specific diseases and their controls; biophysics and bioengineering; quantitative analyses of cellular processes; and genomic systems engineering and biomechanics. “With your assistance over the years, we have made significant investments in the equipment and facilities required to pursue this type of research,” Roselle said. “Continued support from the state will play an important role in improving our facilities and equipment in order to attract the very best faculty to teach and engage in research.” New undergraduate research building Roselle also asked legislators for $1 million toward the construction of an undergraduate research facility. The requested funds will support preliminary design activity. “In order to provide modern teaching facilities for the laboratory sciences, and to support research expansion in existing science buildings, the University is planning for a new undergraduate science building,” Roselle said. "We anticipate that the total cost for this facility will be in excess of $30 million, with costs to be shared between the state and the University.” Article by Jerry Rhodes |
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