Vol. 19, No. 32

May 25, 2000

UD seeks additional state support for capital projects

The University of Delaware requested an additional $2.45 million over the governor's $9.5 million recommendation in its FY 2001 Capital Budget Request at a meeting May 18 before the Capital Bond Committee of the Delaware General Assembly. President David P. Roselle asked the committee to support the governor's recommendations at a minimum and, where appropriate and feasible, to commit financial support at levels over that recommendation. "The University's buildings and grounds are assets that are accessible to and used by Delaware citizens throughout the state," Roselle said. "With a valuation in excess of $1 billion, those assets are to be treasured and preserved." Roselle noted that the UD campus has "never looked better" and that it consistently gets high marks on student satisfaction surveys. "We have worked hard over the past decade to move into our current cycle of planned maintenance for our physical plan. Your support for these requests will greatly assist us in preserving this important asset for the citizens of Delaware." Specifics of the University request that were supported -- all or in part -- by the governor included: * $4 million for the completion of the renovation of Townsend Hall, home to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. This request is fully supported in the governor's recommendation. * $4.5 million, out of a total of $22.5 million, over the life of a $26 million project for the renewal and renovation of Wolf Hall, one of the most historically and architecturally significant buildings on the Newark campus Mall. This request is $1 million higher than the governor's recommendation. * $1.5 million for building renewal and renovation projects, including Carpenter Sports Building, home of the Department of Health and Exercise Sciences and the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Services. This request is fully supported by the governor. * $1 million for equipment, specifically targeted to the biotechnology and genetic/ molecular biology programs at UD, areas which continue to spark interest in the economic community as the University partners with the state in these areas. This request is $500,000 over the governor's recommendation. Requests not included in the governor's recommendation included: * $250,000 to stabilize the shoreline to prevent erosion on the Lewes/Rehoboth Canal, east of the University's Marine Operations Facility. The University has begun work on erosion control projects, and state support is sought to bring them to completion as quickly as possible. * $300,000 for improvements to Delaware Stadium, including replacement of the south grandstand with a new aluminum one and to provide appropriate access to the stadium to meet current code. * $400,000 to install a new outdoor track that will meet NCAA specifications, including improvements in the drainage systems for the track and infield.