Thursday, July 02, 2009
Teaching theatre approved in state budget
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Wendy Knipe Bredhold Media Relations Specialist, News & Information Services 812/461-5259 The University's operating appropriation in 2009-2010 will be $39,044,222, a decrease of approximately 3.3 percent from 2008-2009. In 2010-2011, the University's operating appropriation will increase by .3 percent to $39,172,365. The General Assembly also appropriated funds to restore operating support to the fiscal year 2009 level to institutions of higher education through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The University will receive approximately $3 million over the biennium to be used for one-time expenditures and $1.4 in 2009-2011 for repair and rehabilitation projects. The teaching theatre, to replace the current off-campus facility and supporting buildings, was the University's number one capital priority for the 2009-2011 biennium. The proposed 350-seat theatre will replace the 50-year-old off-campus theatre located four miles from campus that is in the path of the future widening of Highway 62/the Lloyd Expressway. Plans for construction of a performing arts facility have been part of the University's 10-year Capital Improvement Plan for almost 20 years, since 1991-1993. The proposed teaching theatre will be constructed adjacent to the expanded University Center. The initial authorization by the General Assembly allows the University to move forward on design of the project, which must then be reviewed by the Commission for Higher Education and the State Budget Agency before funds are released for construction. Cynthia S. Brinker, vice president for Government and University Relations, said the University must carefully evaluate how to spend the federal stimulus money. "It's wonderful that we have these funds to fill in the gap, and it is going to bridge a difficult time, but we have to be mindful of the fact that the stimulus money is one-time funding and does not provide ongoing dollars. These funds will not carry into the 2011-2013 biennium." Brinker acknowledged the hard work of local representatives during a tough special legislative session. "We are very appreciative of the work of our local legislative delegation and of the fiscal leaders in both the house and senate for their support of the University of Southern Indiana." she said. |
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