Governor Ehrlich Proposes $161-Million Capital Budget for University System of Maryland

(Adelphi, MD) January 31, 2006 --- Standing on the grounds of Towson University (TU), Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., announced a $161-million capital budget for the University System of Maryland (USM) in FY 2007. The projects reflect USM's need for additional facilities to meet growing enrollment demand and support the system's goals of increasing access to quality education across the state.

"Education remains a priority and pillar of my administration," Governor Ehrlich said. "These projects are a reflection of the demand and need for quality education in an effort to enhance and maintain Maryland's reputation of excellence in higher education."

Two USM institutions targeted for enrollment growth, TU and Salisbury University (SU), will receive a combined total of more than $90 million for new construction. At TU, the governor is proposing almost $44 million for a new College of Liberal Arts complex. Liberal Arts classes are now scattered across campus; the new complex would consolidate those classes in one central location. At Salisbury University, $49.5 million is slated for a new Teacher Education and Technology Complex to educate future teachers and technology workers.

"I'm so grateful to see the governor and the legislature provide this level of support for USM institutions," said USM Chancellor William E. "Brit" Kirwan. "These projects will enable us to expand our capacity to meet growing enrollment, support quality educational initiatives for our students and meet the changing needs of the workforce. This is a good day for the system, and a better day for the state."

Governor Ehrlich said, "As Brit, the regents, the university presidents and I have discussed so many times, the bottom line is we're providing the bricks and mortar for an entire system on a roll."

Highlights from Gov. Ehrlich's FY 2007 capital budget for the University System of Maryland include:

Bowie State University

New Fine and Performing Arts Building, $2.7 million

Coppin State University

Campus wide Utilities/Security Systems Improvements Phase II, $10.4 million
New Physical Education Complex, $2.3 million
Lutheran Hospital Site Demolition, $1.7 million

Salisbury University

New Teacher Education and Technology Complex, $49.5 million
New building at The Perdue School of Business, $1.7 million

Towson University

New College of Liberal Arts Complex, $44 million
Safety and Circulation Improvements, $1.3 million

University of Maryland, Baltimore

Equipment for new Dental School, $7 million

University of Maryland Baltimore County

New Performing Arts and Humanities Complex, $4.9 million

University of Maryland, College Park

New Biological Sciences Research Building, $2.3 million
Tawes Fine Arts Building Conversion, $1.4 million

University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

Horn Point Oyster Production Facility $391,000

University System of Maryland, University College

New Academic Technology Support Center, $15 million

The governor's capital budget also includes $15 million for facilities renewal to fund the upkeep, maintenance and repair of buildings across the system. Funding for the Maryland Regenerative Research Center at the University of Maryland, Baltimore's Biopark is also included. The budget must still be approved by the legislature.

Contact: Liz O'Neill
Phone: 301.445.2719
Email: loneill@usmd.edu