The Star Tribune reports that the University of Minnesota has requested an extra $74.5 million from the state Legislature.

There is some concern over the timing of the request, as the state faces a potentially record budget deficit. However, the Board of Regents unanimously approved the request, which state economist and University Prof. Tom Stinson supported. He earlier said labor-intensive renovation projects could jumpstart the economy.

The request includes:

• $39.5 million for construction of a new Bell Museum of Natural History on the St. Paul campus

• $35 million for "critical" repair and renovation projects

Previously, the Daily reported that the Regents were mulling over a $61.3 million request.