(Source: MIRS.news, Published 09/28/2022) Engineering and aviation facilities at Eastern Michigan University, health science additions a Ferris State and a renovated science complex at Oakland University are among the 29 higher education infrastructure projects that were given spending authorizations through a Joint Capitol Outlay bill reported out of committee 12-4 Wednesday afternoon.
In all, 18 community colleges and 11 public universities are cleared to see new projects through
SB 78 , sponsored by Sen. Ken Horn (R-Frankenmuth). If each of the projects were provided with a construction authorization, the total cost would be $803.7 million.
University projects would cost $450.9 million, while community and tribal colleges would cost just over $352.8 million.
Criminal justice and fire training facilities at Lake Superior State University were part of the projects, as was a skilled trades program at Kirtland and Oakland community colleges. Nursing and health technology spaces at Monroe and North Central community colleges were also part of the bill.
At a press conference following the subcommittee hearing, Horn, who was joined by Sen. Kim LaSata (R-Niles) and Rep. Ronnie Peterson (D-Ypsilanti), said the appropriations will help attract students to Michigan institutions.
“Many of these projects include high-tech improvements that will put students across the state in a position to succeed like we’ve never seen before,” Horn said. “These projects will allow Michigan's higher education institutions help more students develop lifelong skills, start a career, and build a life here in our state.”
Today's authorization doesn't put the Legislature on the hook to pay for the construction projects. It allows the universities and colleges to proceed with the projects, with the state covering a portion of the planning costs.
Of the total cost of both types of project, $447.1 million would be funded by the state through State Building Authority (SBA) bonds. The other $356.6 million would come from university and college matching funds, according to fiscal analysis.
One of the most expensive projects is a $70 million “Center for Convergence and Innovation” at Michigan Tech, which President Richard Koubek said “cements Michigan Tech's leadership in the Fourth Industrial Revolution by integrating our business and computing programs to better prepare the modern workforce.”
The full list of university proposed projects is below:
- $29.8 million Brooks Hall renovation at Central Michigan University
- $42.5 million Engineering and Technology Complex renovation at Eastern Michigan University's Roosevelt Hall
- $29.5 million Ferris State University renovation to the Center for Interprofessional Health Sciences Education
- $75 million for Grand Valley State University's Blue Dot Lab
- $25 million to the Experiential Learning Center at Lake Superior State University
- $70 million at Michigan Technological University's Center for Convergence and Innovation
- $19.1 million at Northern Michigan University's Northern Enterprise Center (College of Business)
- $40 million towards Oakland University's Science Complex Renovation Project
- $50 million towards a 428 Church Street building renovation at the University of Michigan
- $40 million at University of Michigan - Flint's College of Innovation and Technology
- $30 million at Western Michigan University's IF-1 Knauss Hall.
Projects at community colleges include the following:
- $8.5 million renovation to the Charles R. Donnelly Natural Resources and STEM Innovation Center at Alpena Community College
- $1.675 million for Bay College's Manufacturing Hub and Safety Training Center
- $7 million towards Glen Oak Community College's South Campus renovation
- $32 million for the Grand Rapids Community College Learning Resource Center expansion
- $11.6 million to Henry Ford College's Energy Learning Center
- $45 million to Jackson College's STEM Remodel of James McDivitt Hall
- $39 million to Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Automotive Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Wing
- $7.168 million to improve programming for the trades at Kirtland Community College in Gaylord
- $8.6 million for Lake Michigan College's Niles Campus renovation and upgrade
- $13.1 million to Monroe County Community College's renovation and addition to the Welch Health Education Building
- $25 million towards the Praha College Center renovation at Mott Community College
- $9.141 million to North Central Michigan College's Career and Technical Education Enhancement (CATEE) Complex
- $5 million to a student learning support services renovation project at Northwestern Michigan College
- $60 million to Oakland Community College's Skilled Trades and Industrial Tech. Building renovation and expansion
- $33.45 million towards a Forum Building renovation and expansion for sciences and fine art at Schoolcraft College
- $12 million at Southwestern Michigan College for the Dale A. Lyons Classroom Building renovation
- $23 million to Washtenaw Community College's Center for Success
- $11.564 million to renovate the Center for Visual Learning and Digital Careers at Wayne County Community College.
