Committee Approves Funding for Science Campus

Murray State University received the good news it was hoping for from legislators in Frankfort this afternoon. Eight members of the state’s Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee gave unanimous approval to allow the university to continue construction on the new chemistry building. “We are especially gratified by the action of the committee today,” said MSU President Randy Dunn.

Murray State was facing a possible halt in the completion of their much-anticipated science campus. Concerns arose several months ago about the interpretation of budget language attached to the $15 million appropriation from last year’s state budget that was designated for the engineering and physics building of the new science campus.

In a measure to bridge funding and keep the project on target, Murray ’s board of regents met in special session on Friday, April 13, and passed a resolution that would approve a $2.65 million increase in the project scope for the new science campus project. Supported by today’s action, this measure allows funds from the university’s contingency fund and other resources to be used to continue the project.

Dunn says the committee’s unanimous vote speaks to the importance of the case that university officials were able to present to them. “We especially thank Representative Melvin Henley and Senator Ken Winters for accompanying us to Frankfort to make our case in front of the committee and are excited about the project moving forward without interruption.”

Designed as a multi-phase project, the initial ground breaking for the new facility took place in May of 2001.