Trustees Approve Capital Budget Request For 2002-2003

September 21, 2001
University Park, Pa. – Penn State’s Board of Trustees today (Sept. 21) authorized the University to request $100.13 million for capital budget projects from the state legislature for the fiscal year 2002-2003.

This includes a total of $91.1 million for construction projects and $9.03 million for original equipment. The bulk of the construction funding request is $71.1 million in projects that were previously authorized by the legislature but were in jeopardy of lapsing due to sunset provisions in the authorization bill.

Each year at this time, Penn State’s capital budget request is updated and, after approval, is submitted to the Department of Education in Harrisburg for consideration by the state legislature.

“The capital budget request is an integral component of Penn State’s capital planning process and consists of those projects for which Penn State is seeking authorization for funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said Penn State

President Graham Spanier in his remarks to the Board.

Once authorized, the second step in the process is the release of funds, which is tied to the University’s overall five-year capital plan. This year’s request consists of six projects, five of which are requests for reauthorization of previously authorized projects that were not funded within the time allowed under the state’s sunset clause in the Capital Authorization Bill.

One project is actually a series of environmental compliance projects, which are estimated to cost $20 million. The allocated funds will help improve and update many infrastructure and utility systems on University property, including construction of storm and sewer lines, better protection for potable water systems, and improvements in the quality of water runoff from roads, parking lots and other areas.

Projects for reauthorization include:

·      $15 million for a new forest resources building at University Park;

·      $22 million for a new food sciences building at University Park;

·      $10.2 million to renovate Chandlee Laboratory at University Park;

·      $12 million for renovations to Borland Laboratory at University Park;

·      $11.9 million for a new library-classroom building for Penn State York.

In addition, the University is also requesting new funds and the reauthorization of three former requests for original equipment costs, totaling $9.03 million.

Original equipment includes such things as moveable office partitions, seating, lab equipment, and non-fixed items to make new or newly renovated buildings complete.

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Contact:  Tysen Kendig, Department of Public Information, (814) 865-7517 or tysen@psu.edu.