State Budget Committee approves Purdue University projects
INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) said the State Budget Committee voted today (Wednesday, Dec. 17) to approve seven multi-million dollar projects on the Purdue University West Lafayette campus.
“The projects range from construction of a new residence hall for the Honors College to the Purdue Airport runway improvements to construction of the state-of-the-art Agronomy Center Automated Phenotyping and Seed Processing Laboratory,” said Klinker, who serves on the State Budget Committee.
“The investment is nearly $130 million for projects that will create educational opportunities, provide safe and comfortable living conditions for students, and allow the university to continue its cost-effective repair and rehabilitation plan for its buildings,” continued Klinker.
“As Purdue continues to impress the world’s academic community with technological innovations, it is essential that investments be made to Purdue’s infrastructure. I thank my fellow State Budget Committee members for recognizing those needs and allowing the university to proceed with these important endeavors.”
Klinker outlined the approved projects:
Honors College and Residences ($90 million): Construction of a new residence hall for the Honors College. It is described as a living, learning community with approximately 40,000 square feet of academic space. The 800-bed hall will be located on the southwest corner of Russell and Third streets.
Purdue Airport Long Runway 10/28 Rehabilitation ($11.2 million): The runway 10/28 will be strengthened by adding a bituminous overlay. Repairs will also be made to the 10/28 and 5/23 intersection. In addition, the airfield guidance signs, distance remaining signs and taxiway guidance signs will be replaced.
Agronomy Center Automated Phenotyping & Seed Processing Laboratory ($10 million): The project calls for construction of the new Automated Field Phenotyping Lab, Innovation Lab & Plant Sample Processing facility which will enable Purdue to lead the world in the new area of automated field phenotyping along with the implementation of more efficient ways of processing vegetation for research.
Forney Hall East Wing Renovation ($6.8 million): The project includes the renovation of lab space for the College of Engineering in the east wing. The upgrades include casework modifications and additions as well as installation of new fume hoods and replacement of the current ones. In addition, the renovation will require electrical and lighting upgrades, HVAC improvements, installation of make-up air units with a manifold exhaust, and the installation of new snorkel exhaust systems.
McCutcheon Hall Bathroom Renovation [Phase IV] ($4.8 million): This is the fourth of nine phases. The bathrooms on the first through eighth floors in the north tower will be reconfigured and renovated with new plumbing, electrical and exhaust systems. The larger restrooms will have additional showers, more privacy and meet the current requirements for accessibility.
Krannert Building Air-handling Units ($4.7 million): The project will replace the major air-handling units throughout the building.
Wade Utility Plant Boiler 5 ($2.5 million): The project will retrofit Boiler 5 with a Dry Sorbent Injection System to comply with federal environmental regulations.