Posted: July 20, 2011
Contact: Doug Anderson, doug.anderson@MinnState.edu, 651-201-1426
Appropriation for biennial operating budget also approved
The Legislature and governor authorized $132 million for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system to repair and upgrade existing facilities, and better accommodate enrollment growth and needs for science and technology programs.
“These projects are ready to go and once they’re complete they will help us meet the needs of students and businesses even better,” said Chancellor James H. McCormick. “We also are excited because these projects will help put more Minnesotans to work.”
The individual projects include: $5.4 million for the fine arts building renovation at Anoka-Ramsey Community College in Coon Rapids; $10.6 million for learning resource and student services renovation at Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie; $3.4 million to design and land acquisition for a science education center at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul; $14.9 million for the Livingston Lord library renovation at Minnesota State University Moorhead; $22 million to design and construct the academic partnership center and student services building at Normandale Community College in Bloomington; $3 million for the Iron Range engineering program facilities at Mesabi Range Community and Technical College in Virginia; and $42.3 million for the integrated science and engineering laboratory facility at St. Cloud State University.
In addition, the system received authorization to spend $30 million for major repair and replacement projects, including roof replacements, mechanical and electrical system repairs, and health and safety improvements, on about 30 campuses.
In other action, the appropriation bill for the system’s operating budget was approved and signed into law by Gov. Mark Dayton. Under the bill, the system’s appropriation for the current biennium will be reduced by about 10 percent, from the previous biennial budget. The $120 million reduction meant some programs and positions were eliminated, among other effects.
The agreement also holds back about $5 million, making it contingent on whether the system meets three of five goals: increasing the enrollment of students of color, increasing the number of students taking online courses, increasing the number of credentials earned, increasing completion rates and decreasing energy consumption. The agreement also caps tuition increases at state colleges at four percent in fiscal year 2013.