Wearing hard hats and safety goggles, state senators toured University construction sites Monday to see how the school’s approximately $240 million 2002 Capital Request would be put to use.
The Senate Capital Investment Committee – which allocates construction and restoration funds – visited sites ranging from the partially completed Walter Library to the dilapidated Mineral Resources Research Center.
Capital Investment Committee administrator Kathy Blair said the mineral resources building is a perfect example of the University’s need for state assistance.
“With the windows boarded up and broken glass everywhere, it’s really kind of an eyesore,” Blair said. “Clearly, work has got to be done.”
Vacant since 1992, the riverfront MRRC looks more like the set for a horror movie than a prestigious part of the University’s history.
But despite shattered windows, the building is still heated. One University representative said homeless people often break in seeking shelter from the cold.
The University is seeking more than $18 million to turn the building – which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places – into a center for the College of Education and Human Development.
A major focus of the six-year restoration plan is creating a freshman hub near Nicholson Hall, said Mike Berthelsen, of the University’s Office of Budget and Finance.
“We want to try to make the University smaller and less intimidating Ö it will be easier to get your arms around,” he said.
Nicholson Hall will host computer labs, a language learning center and a Student Writing Center if the University’s $24 million request is met.
The University will also request $4 million to renovate and modernize technology in approximately 35 classrooms on the St. Paul and Minneapolis campuses.
Though most of the senators’ tour was spent viewing decrepit buildings, the legislators also got to see how past state dollars have been spent.
This part of the tour included the Walter Library renovation. The library – which is scheduled to reopen in January – features intricately painted ceilings and décor.
When the House Capital Investment Committee toured the University in October, many members warned that a tight budget and struggling economy could mean limited funds for the University.
But senators Monday seemed more optimistic, citing low interest rates and calling the University restoration projects a major priority.
“You’ve got to keep things up-to-date Ö and this is an opportune time to do so,” said Capital Investment Committee chairman Sen. Keith Langseth, DFL-Glyndon. “We expect to go full speed ahead on the request. I don’t know about 100 percent, but pretty close.”
The University is requesting $14.6 million for improvements to health, safety and accessibility, $29.7 million for new building systems, $8.2 million for whole building renewals and $27.5 million for utility infrastructure changes.
“It’s got to be done,” Blair said. “These are state buildings, and it’s the state’s responsibility to keep them updated.”
Legislators will debate the request after Jan. 29, when the Legislature reconvenes.
Jessica Thompson welcomes comments at [email protected]