Because a budget impasse prevented the General Assembly to do so in May, Gov. James S. Gilmore (R) on Monday authorized spending on several University projects, including the renovation of Monroe Hall and Lambeth Field Residence Area.
In all, Gilmore approved eight projects on academic buildings worth $43.3 million, money that will come out of the University's nongeneral fund, not from the state. He also gave the Medical Center authority to spend $20.8 million of its money on several projects including the planning of an expansion for the University Hospital.
Normally, projects paid for with University money need approval from the General Assembly but because the legislature did not pass any budget amendments in its last session, Gilmore stepped in with his own rubber stamp to start the projects, according to Gilmore spokesman Chris Freund.
The action was a largely administrative but necessary move to start the renovation of several University buildings on time. Had Gilmore not authorized these projects, they may have been pushed back.
"Our fear was that the projects would not get approved and that we would have to delay their start," said John Griffin, associate director of operations for the Housing Division.
Griffin is in charge of the renovation for the Lambeth Field Residence Area, which received $9 million to replace the kitchens and bathrooms and upgrade the wiring in all its apartments. The project will start next summer and take four years to complete.
The McIntire School of Commerce will receive $15 million to start the renovation of Monroe Hall, a project that could complete its planning stages by November. According to Commerce Dean Carl P. Zeithaml, the building needs work to accommodate the school's growing enrollment and allow it to stay competitive with other undergraduate business schools. Zeithaml characterized Monroe Hall's current condition as "crowded" and "one of the worst among major business schools."
Zeithaml said he expects the renovation to cost much more than the $15 million now allocated. It could take up to twice as much money, he said.
Other projects on educational buildings that Gilmore approved include the renovation of several science and engineering laboratories and the renovation of Garrett Hall and the neurosurgery department's offices.
Some of the Medical Center's money will go toward purchasing medical facilities and equipment and renovating the breast care center.
Other University projects delayed by the General Assembly's failure to approve a budget in May, including the construction of a small collection's library and a studio art building, were not affected by the action Monday and still are tabled pending an appeal to the governor's office by the University, according to Nancy Rivers, the director for the University's state governmental relations.
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