State budget provides for library construction
 

The 2003 Indiana General Assembly completed its work at the end of April by passing a two-year, $22.7 billion state budget for the 2003-05 biennium.

After four months of deliberation, the new budget was passed with bi-partisan support. For the University of Southern Indiana, the budget includes capital appropriations for construction of new facilities and an increase in the University's operating appropriation.

Under capital appropriations, the budget will provide $29 million in bonding authorization for construction of a new library.

The University also received authorization only for renovation and expansion of the University Center for $9.75 million and construction of a potential parking structure for $3 million. Authorization-only projects are not funded by the state but are financed through user fees, student fees, and other income.

Enrollment-change funding is provided in the budget to address increases in enrollment for Indiana students. USI will receive approximately $1.8 million during the biennium for enrollment increases. This amount is about $1 million less than USI would have received if the enrollment-change funding formula was fully funded.

The new budget will restore approximately $485,000 or 50 percent of the operating base that was reduced by the governor in 2003 through the deficit budget management plan.

USI also received approximately $794,000 for 2004 for the operation of the new Torrington Science Wing and the Education Center, which will open this summer.

The budget further includes a .5-percent inflationary increase for personal services, supplies and expenses, and student aid in 2005.

USI's operating appropriation (not including R & R funds, debt service appropriation, or line item appropriations) will increase from the 2003 reduced operating appropriation of $30.5 million to $32.7 in 2004 and $33.7 in 2005.

A major component of the budget was the funding of economic development initiatives throughout the state. Under economic development programs, USI will receive $850,000 over the two-year period to fund engineering equipment and program needs.

"Given the current fiscal situation in the State of Indiana, the University is grateful to the Indiana General Assembly, the Commission for Higher Education, and the Governor for their support during these difficult economic times," said USI President H. Ray Hoops.
 

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