Proposed higher ed maintenance fund would benefit Adams State (04-10-08)
Gov. Bill Ritter today announced his support of a CCHE (Colorado Commission on Higher Education) proposal for $200 million worth of higher education construction, funded by federal mineral lease revenues as stipulated in Senate Bill 218. The CCHE's list of 13 projects includes restoration of Adams State College's historic Richardson Hall, at $12 million.
"We truly appreciate the Governor putting a priority on higher education construction. State Senator Gail Schwartz and other members of the General Assembly are working hard to assist rural higher education in Colorado," said Adams State President, Dr. David Svaldi. Schwartz is a sponsor of Senate Bill 218, now in the Senate Education committee, which would create a new higher education maintenance and reserve fund. Additional bill sponsors include Senators Penry, Isgar, Groff, Romer, and Windels; and Representatives Buescher, Balmer, Fischer, and Curry.
"Our future very much rests with the quality of our educational system, including the infrastructure and facilities at our institutions of higher learning, and I urge quick approval by CCHE," Ritter said. Campus Renewal
Passage of SB218 would bring to $60 million the total construction projects at Adams State College that will be completed within the next three-to four years, noted Adams State Vice President for Administration and Finance, Bill Mansheim.
"We are very happy the state has found a way to help fund higher education construction," Mansheim said. "It will definitely be appreciated by Adams State students, who just approved a new capital fee to finance $35 million worth of campus improvements. This will be by far the most ambitious building endeavor on our campus in nearly 50 years."
A $12 million project to renovate Plachy Hall, Adams State's athletic facility, is currently underway. The new fee will support renovating two academic buildings and a residence hall and building a new residence hall.
These projects will not only upgrade the college's infrastructure, but also bolster the local economy and provide a number of jobs, Mansheim said. The college is credited with an annual economic impact in the San Luis Valley of roughly $70 million.
"This is very exciting for Adams State," said Dean of Student Affairs, Ken Marquez. "Our goal is to create a solid foundation for the future of the college, and to create a campus that is a great place to learn and live. These improvements will be very important in attracting students to Adams State."
Renewal of ASC's first building
The college's oldest building, Richardson Hall was built in 1924 and requires complete renovation, Mansheim explained. Much of the existing building no longer meets current building codes, and most of the plumbing, heating, ventilation, and electrical systems need to be completely replaced. The centerpiece of the campus, Richardson Hall houses administrative offices, academic programs, and an auditorium
One portion of the renovation will improve ADA accessibility to the Richardson Hall Auditorium, which hosts a number of college and community cultural events. Plans also call for creation of a backup computer operations area to support campus disaster recovery/business continuity efforts.
By Julie Waechter
