Vol. 18, No. 30	May 6, 1999

UD seeks additional $3.16 million from state in support of capital projects

The University of Delaware requested an additional $3.16 million in its FY 2000 Capital Budget Request, over the governor's $9 million recommendation, at a meeting May 5 before the governor's executive staff.

"Let me say at the outset that we appreciate the governor's support," University President David P. Roselle said, "and ask that, at a minimum, you ratify his recommendation."

He noted that careful consideration of immediate needs went into the preparation of the University's Capital Budget Request last fall and urged the committee to consider increasing the funding levels in eight areas.

Roselle told that committee that the UD campus contains 6.8 million square feet of space and many of its 433 buildings are more than 50 years old.

"Maintaining this physical endowment to meet current codes and academic needs is an expensive priority that requires a financial commitment from the state, the University and our many alumni and friends," he said.

"In the current budget year, when the state had its largest capital program ever, the capital budget for higher education actually went down, compared with the year before. I encourage you to give higher education, and the University of Delaware in particular, a higher priority for the allocation of capital funds in fiscal year 1999-2000."

Specifics of the University request included:

• $500,000 over the governor's recommendation of $3 million as a one-time appropriation toward the renovation of the Carpenter Sports Building. Originally built in 1942 and now home to the Department of Health and Exercise Sciences and the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Services, the building is heavily used by the University community throughout the year. Renovation will include improvements to the HVAC, lighting, electrical, plumbing, emergency power, roofing, security, fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems. Total project cost is $14.3 million, with more than half coming from gifts and University sources.
• $500,000 for initial planning of the renovation of Wolf Hall, which dates from 1916 and is historically and architecturally one of the most significant buildings on the Mall. The building is used for teaching and research laboratories, offices, classrooms and an auditorium for the departments of Psychology and Biological Sciences. The renovation will consist of upgrading laboratories and classrooms to incorporate current technology, replacement of mechanical systems, new windows, improved handicapped accessibility and upgraded life safety systems.
• $300,000 for improvements to Delaware Stadium, including replacement of the south grandstand with a new aluminum grandstand to provide better access and meet current code.
• $212,000 over the governor's recommendation of $1 million for equipment, which will be used to upgrade teaching laboratories and acquire equipment for the biotechnology and engineering programs, as well as equipment and software support for the Partnership for Enhancing Information Skills.
• $250,000 for stabilization of approximately 200 feet of shoreline on the Lewes/ Rehoboth Canal, east of the University's Marine Operations Facility in Lewes. Stabilization, which is essential to prevent further loss from erosion, will involve excavation, laying filter cloth and covering the areas with rip-rap.
• $400,000 to replace the outdoor track, which has deteriorated over the years and no longer meets NCAA specifications. This project will include improvements to the drainage systems for the track and infield.
• an additional $500,000 for renovation of Townsend Hall, which would bring the total FY 2000 appropriation to $4.5 million. Built in 1950, Townsend Hall houses offices, classrooms and laboratories of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The renovation project is designed to meet the expanding needs of the college, with updating of the mechanical, electrical and communications systems. Handicapped accessibility and life safety code issues also will be addressed.
• an additional $500,000 above the governor's recommendation of $1 million for facilities renewal and renovation, which will be targeted to support the renovation of the Carpenter Sports Building, as well as the many smaller capital needs that emerge each year.

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