University News
Governor Recommends Funds For PAC, Riverfront Campus
March 7, 2007
MACOMB, IL - - Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich recommended full funding for the construction of a new Performing Arts Center (PAC) on the Western Illinois University-Macomb campus and funds for renovation of the first building on the Western Illinois University-Quad Cities Riverfront Campus as part of his FY2008 budget proposal.
"We are extremely pleased and thankful the Governor has recommended full construction funding for the PAC on our Macomb campus," said WIU President Al Goldfarb. "The University and Macomb community have been seeking state funds for a performing arts venue for more than 20 years, and it is rewarding that the governor has acknowledged the need for the project. We are also very appreciative that the funds to renovate the first building for our WIU-Quad Cities Riverfront Campus are included in his FY2008 budget."
Construction funds of $57,825,100 are included in the FY2008 Governor's Capital Budget to begin the first phase of construction of the 110,000-square-foot WIU PAC in Macomb and $14,232,500 for renovation of the 60,000-square-foot building one on the WIU Riverfront Campus. An additional $1.18 million was recommended for capital renewal (deferred maintenance) projects at Western.
Capital FY2008 recommendations for 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 facility will be located in the southwest quadrant of campus.
Construction funds for renovation of the first building at the WIU-Quad Cities Riverfront Campus will provide space to host academic programs from the College of Business and Technology, engineering technology, academic one-stop services (course registration, advising, etc.), and administrative offices. The new facility will allow the University to expand offerings provided at its current location on 3561 60th Street, Moline.
The Governor also recommended Western receive $58.2 million in state operating funds for FY2008, an increase of 1.9 percent from the current $57.2 million in FY2007.
The recommendation for the budget year July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008 will be forwarded to the Illinois General Assembly for action during the spring legislative session.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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