Governor proposing more funding for state colleges

In Wednesday’s State of the State address, Gov. Nixon said he plans to propose more funding for public education. Nixon is working with legislative leaders right now on a bonding package that will include $200 million for needed improvements at public colleges and universities.

An official with the University of Missouri said the total campus need is nearly $680 million for repairs and renovations.

He said at the university’s current rate of growth, the total project need will grow to $1.2 billion by 2022. And that is without adding a single square foot to the campus.

The spokesman said 33 buildings on the MU campus require a complete renovation.

Sen. Mike Parson, R-28th District, said he has been working on the improvement bonding projects since last year. Tuesday, he introduced a resolution to the Senate floor with a proposed project list of higher education buildings that need to be upgraded.

One thing on that list includes the renovation of Lafferre Hall on the University of Missouri-Columbia campus, which is expected to cost about $38.5 million. A second is replacing the elevator, cooling system and more upgrades to Stewart Hall, also on the MU campus, at a cost of more than $12.5 million.

Projects proposed for Lincoln University on the resolution include replacing or repairing mechanical, plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning systems in multiple buildings for around $2.4 million.

The University of Missouri spokesman said some of its facility needs are new roofs for Schweitzer Hall and the A.P. Green Building, an upgrade to the Medical Science Building’s secondary electrical system and ADA accessibility improvements for Stewart Hall.

There will be a hearing for Sen. Parson’s resolution Thursday in the Senate lounge.