The University of Southern Indiana will be receiving a $ 17.6 million dollar grant for the universities Center Project. According to State Rep. Trent Van Haaften (D-Mount Vernon “This work will result in additional space for student activities and campus organizations, as well as a larger area for food services and the University Bookstore,” Van Haaften said.
This project expansion will bring numerous construction jobs Evansville.
State Okays $17.6 Million USI University Center
INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Trent Van Haaften (D-Mount Vernon) announced today that state budget officials have given final approval to a $17.6 million expansion and renovation of the University Center on the campus of the University of Southern Indiana (USI).
Van Haaften said members of the State Budget Committee endorsed the project during the group’s monthly business meeting today at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI).
“This is just the latest indication that the fastest-growing campus in the state of Indiana is located in Evansville, not Bloomington or West Lafayette,” Van Haaften said. “Over the past decade, USI officials have embarked on an aggressive campaign to identify the needs of their students, then expand both the types of degree programs offered, as well as the facilities that are on campus.
“The results of their good work can be seen in the increased numbers of students who have chosen to advance their education at USI in recent years,” he continued.
The project approved today will expand the current University Center into the original library building that was vacated after completion of the David L. Rice Library in 2006.
“This work will result in additional space for student activities and campus organizations, as well as a larger area for food services and the University Bookstore,” Van Haaften said.
The legislator said the renovation and expansion is expected to begin in early 2009. Funding for the project is coming from bonds, fees and university reserves.
Van Haaften noted that the University Center expansion is one of several improvements taking place at USI at this time. Other projects at various points in construction include an expansion of the Recreation and Fitness Center, renovation of the Science Center and a new facility to house maintenance and mail services. Earlier this month, ground was broken for the new Business and Engineering Center.
“USI might seem like one continuous construction zone for the time being, but the benefits that will emerge from this rush of improvements will be felt by students for many years to come,” Van Haaften said.
“Many people deserve credit for this work, but I must give particular credit to USI President H. Ray Hoops, and Cindy Brinker, USI’s vice president for government and university relations,” he continued. “They have worked diligently to articulate the university’s vision and secure the support of state government to make that vision become reality.”
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