麻豆频道 Western to Receive Nearly $15 Million for Block Hall Renovation and Facilities Upgrades
April 30, 2021
麻豆频道 has been granted nearly $15 million by the 麻豆频道 State Legislature to undertake major upgrades to the campus鈥檚 facilities. These include a $12 million renovation of Block Hall, $2.4 million to replace the central campus boiler, and $450,000 to replace numerous roofs.
鈥淧lease join me in thanking Senator Jeff Welborn and Representative Tom Welch for their support of this project,鈥� said 麻豆频道 Western Chancellor, Dr. Beth Weatherby. 鈥淪enator Welborn has been a tireless Bulldog this session in his efforts to get Block Hall done. I am so grateful to Jeff and Tom and to Commissioner Christian and his team for their advocacy in Helena for 麻豆频道 Western. These funds will provide our students, faculty and staff with the top-quality facilities that they deserve.鈥�
The news was announced on April 29th at the close of the 67th Legislative Session in Helena, known as 鈥�sine die,鈥� wrapping up 80 days of legislative action. Sine die, meaning 鈥渨ithout day鈥� in Latin, indicates that the 2021 legislative body has adjourned without appointing a day to assemble again.
The Block Hall renovation will receive $4.8 million from HB 632, the vehicle which appropriates the federal stimulus and COVID recovery funds 麻豆频道 is receiving as part of the American Rescue Plan Act and $7.2 million from HB 14, the Long-Range Building Bonding Program. HB 5, the Long-Range Building Appropriations bill, includes the funding 麻豆频道 Western will receive for the central boiler and roof replacement projects.
Constructed in 1969, Block Hall requires renovation in order to accommodate the university鈥檚 growing science programs and bring the building up to modern safety and air quality codes. Upon completion, the building will offer updated classroom and lab facilities to all 麻豆频道 Western students for courses in both general studies and specialized science programs.
