UW System Asks State to Fund Two Valley Projects
UWEC, UW-Stout both in line for millions
V1 Staff |
The UW System Board of Regents is officially asking the state Legislature for funding for major building projects on the UW-Stout and UW-Eau Claire Campuses.
Among the project requests approved by the Regents on Aug. 19 was a $120.6 million renovation project at Harvey Hall, one of UW-Stout’s busiest classroom and lab buildings. The building, which opened in 1973, serves more than 2,000 UW-Stout students annually.
Chancellor Katherine Frank was pleased that the Board of Regents recognized the importance of a renovated Heritage Hall to the applied learning environment at UW-Stout and the role it will play in addressing Wisconsin’s projected workforce needs.
“Heritage Hall is Stout’s No. 1 capital priority, and I’m pleased that the Board of Regents demonstrated their support for this essential project,” she said. “The renovation will turn an outdated building into a state-of-the art facility that prepares students for success in high-demand careers such as hospitality, child care, mental health and wellness, and education.”
The Regents’ budget request also included $235.5 million for a new Science and Health Sciences Building project at UW-Eau Claire. The request includes funds to complete the planning and construction of a new Science and Health Sciences Building on lower campus as well as funds to demolish Phillips Science Hall after the new building is completed. The 2019-21 state budget included $109 million for the first phase of the building project. That total included a $13.7 million gift from Mayo Clinic Health System, $2.04 million in campus funds to demolish Katharine Thomas and Putnam halls, and $93.25 million in state General Fund Supported Borrowing.
The entire UW System request will be considered by the governor and state Legislature as part of the 2023-25 state biennial budget process, a process that will begin next January.
