Building plans at WSU, U. surpass $200 million

A five-year building plan for public higher education unveiled this week shows the University of Utah and Weber State University needing more than $200 million in state funds to get their projects under way.

Plans for nine institutions in the state System of Higher Education were not considered by its governing board, which met here Friday.

"I'm wondering if we shouldn't do something other than glance at it," said regent Jerry Atkin.

Utah Valley State College wants to spend $145 million on five projects, and Salt Lake Community College is planning four buildings that will cost $88 million; SLCC will need another $41 million within five years for land purchases.

The smaller schools — Snow College, Dixie State College and the College of Eastern Utah — have 13 projects waiting in the wings. CEU will be seeking $8 million in state money to help construct a new fine arts building and library.

Southern Utah University has two projects expected to cost $15.6 million, adding over 80,000 square feet of space to SUU's science center and business buildings.

Higher education system staff members are to evaluate the construction plans during the next month.