University News
IBHE Recommends Funds For PAC And Riverfront Campus
February 23, 2007
MACOMB, IL - - The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) has recommended FY2008 capital funds to begin construction of a Performing Arts Center (PAC) on the Western Illinois University-Macomb campus and the renovation of the first building on the Western Illinois University-Quad Cities Riverfront Campus.
At its Feb. 22 meeting the IBHE approved capital budget recommendations of $45.3 million for Western including $29.1 million to begin the first phase of construction of the 110,000-square-foot WIU PAC in Macomb and $14.2 million for renovation of the 60,000-square-foot building one on the WIU Riverfront Campus. Almost $2 million was recommended for capital renewal (deferred maintenance) projects at Western.
"We greatly appreciate the Board's recommendations in support of our much needed capital projects as well as our operating funds," said WIU President Al Goldfarb. "We hope that as the state's economy improves there will be even greater support for higher education."
The IBHE recommendation for the budget year July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008 will be forwarded to the Governor and Illinois General Assembly for action during the spring legislative session.
Capital FY2008 recommendations for the first half of the PAC construction follow the $4 million in planning funds released during the 2005-2006 fiscal year. The Performing Arts Center will house a 1,900-seat proscenium theatre auditorium, a 300-seat thrust stage and a 150-seat studio theatre for student convocations, College of Fine Arts and Communication recitals, Bureau of Cultural Affairs Performing Arts Series events, lectures, graduation ceremonies and local arts and civic functions. The total cost of the facility to be located in the southwest quadrant of campus is estimated to be $61,825,100.
The IBHE recommended Western receive $58 million in state operating funds for FY2008, an increase of 1.5 percent or $858,200 from the current $57.2 million in FY2007.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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