The Indiana State Budget Committee approved two construction projects at Ball State University, said State Representative Dennis Tyler.
Jeff Fites, assistant media relations director for the Indiana House of Representatives, said the projects include renovation of the L.A. Pittenger Student Center and the upcoming construction of North Residence Hall.
Student tuition and housing and dining fees, but not tax dollars, will fund the projects, Tyler said.
Tom Morrison, associate vice president for business affairs, said the money would be pulled from the university general reserve funds.
"This is basically money we have set aside from student fees in the past, along with a percentage of the revenue our buildings bring in on their own," he said. "This way we don't see a spike in student fees when we introduce projects like this."
The Student Center renovation budget now totals $22.9 million, Fites said. Renovations at the Student Center were set to include building upgrades on plumbing, mechanical and electrical equipment, elevators and ceilings in order to meet current codes and industry standards, he said.
"These are changes that you might never see," Tyler said. "There won't be a lot of bells and whistles, but the building will be much safer and more efficient."
Ball State officials recently expanded the project budget to include a food court and kitchen renovation, creation of student offices and a raised ceiling at the Tally, Fites said.
Tyler said the building was overdue for updates and renovations.
"I don't think that building has been touched for 40 years," he said. "So it's definitely a top priority."
Fites said construction of the new North Residence Hall, which was approved in December 2006, was also a top priority.
The new housing budget has reached a total of $46.5 million, he said.
"The purpose of building this new residence hall is to meet the growing housing needs on campus," Fites said.
Morrison said the new facility should bring positive reviews, as Park Hall has.
The construction on both projects is scheduled to begin in 2008 and should be complete by the 2010-11 school year, he said.
The Student Center will remain open during the construction, Morrison said.
Tyler said the projects also might boost the local economy, and bring about 300 construction jobs to Muncie.
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