On January 16, Governor Walz released his capital investment recommendations for the upcoming legislative session, providing $102.9 million for the renewal of existing University of Minnesota facilities and infrastructure.
Interim President Ettinger responded in a statement saying the plan “acknowledges the University’s long list of critical infrastructure needs among the many requests considered from across Minnesota. By including the University, the Governor and Lt. Governor have highlighted the importance of taking care of what our public universities already have, preserving and modernizing these facilities for current students and future Minnesotans. We will continue to work with the Walz-Flanagan Administration and state lawmakers to build our case for the University's entire $500 million request, recognizing discussions about state investments will evolve throughout the legislative session.” Read the full statement.
The University’s $500 million capital request includes more than 150 Higher Education Asset Preservation and Replacement (HEAPR) projects on four campuses and 11 research and outreach centers. These projects include building accessibility needs, fire protection systems, leaky roofs and windows, asbestos abatement and other core maintenance issues that must be corrected to provide safe and usable spaces.
The University of Minnesota System relies on capital investment (usually funded by issuing general obligation bonds) to renew and maintain existing University facilities. HEAPR funding:
- Reduces operating costs
- Helps avoid costly emergency repairs
- Increases safety and accessibility
- Supports student learning and success
- Enables the University to increase key program enrollment to meet Minnesota’s workforce needs
- Improves research capabilities
- Increases collaboration spaces to promote innovation
- Helps retain and attract top educators and researchers
Capital investment — also called bonding — is the top priority for state leaders in the upcoming legislative session.