Campbell, Klinker announce approval of $34 million in improvements at Purdue

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) and Sheila J. Klinker (D-Lafayette) announced today that budget officials have approved more than $34 million for a series of improvements across the Purdue University campus.

The projects were approved during the October business meeting of the State Budget Committee in Fort Wayne.

In all, Campbell and Klinker said seven projects were approved:

• $10 million to install a new, larger, higher resolution board in the south end zone of Ross-Ade Stadium.
• $4.77 million to replace the heating and air conditioning system and windows in the Niswonger Aviation Technology Building, and make repairs to the overhead door of the Airport Terminal Building.
• $2.52 million to renovate classrooms in Beering Hall, the Biochemistry Building, the Electrical Engineering Building, and the Veterinary Pathology Building.
• $2.671 million to replace the north-south chilled water line that runs east of Lynn Hall. The line provides a major service to many buildings on campus.
• $3.816 million to improve the Loeb Playhouse stage lift, repair the elevator, and replace windows in Stewart Center.
• $5 million to proceed with the final two phases of the sewer replacement and bathroom repairs in the Hillenbrand Residence Hall.
• $5.3 million to proceed with the final phase of bathroom renovations in Shreve Residence Hall.

“This announcement shows the university’s efforts to provide the best possible facilities for its community,” Campbell said. “While the projects approved today may not garner the same type of attention as huge building projects, they offer an ongoing attempt to improve the quality of life for students, faculty, and staff on the Purdue campus. As such, they are critical to the overall operations at Purdue, and I applaud the Budget Committee for acting to approve them.”

Klinker added, “Purdue has always built a solid foundation for the next generation of Hoosiers. These new developments will only strengthen the promise of a bright future for our children. As a former vice-chair of the House Ways and Means Committee and a past chair of the Ways and Means’ Higher Education Subcommittee, it has always been a great honor to carry Purdue’s mission to the Indiana General Assembly, and I am pleased to see the Legislature’s continued support for higher education.”