Post by Bornthrilla on Oct 23, 2008 15:39:09 GMT -5
Funding on hold for UNCG, N.C. A&T projects
Thursday, October 23
(updated 5:25 am)
By Jeff Mills
Staff Writer
GREENSBORO — The state government in Raleigh is short of cash, and the state universities in Greensboro are feeling the pinch.
Funding for a number of campus projects has been put on hold, UNCG spokesman Steve Gilliam said Wednesday, including planning and design money for a $46 million joint data center that would serve the computer needs of UNCG and N.C. A&T.
The universities announced the information technology project in January and hoped to have the data center up and running in three years at the Gateway University Research Park’s south campus off Lee Street near Interstate 40.
Now it’s on hold, along with other UNCG projects:
* Construction of a new $47 million School of Education building.
* Roof repairs for the School of Health and Human Performance.
* Assorted repair and renovation projects including window replacements, elevator repairs and steam line improvements.
N.C. A&T likely will have other projects affected, as well, but specifics were not known Wednesday.
“We are not able to provide a definitive answer today,” A&T spokeswoman Mable Scott said. “We’re in the budget review process right now.”
The School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, a joint project between UNCG and A&T, appears to be unaffected because funds were appropriated in last year’s state budget.
In announcing the postponement of breaking ground on the education building, UNCG Chancellor Linda Brady warned employees that more cuts could be coming.
“I hope this will be the extent of the cuts, but it is very possible that we will be asked to absorb further cuts this year or next,” Brady wrote in an e-mail to UNCG’s 2,500 faculty and staff members. “I have asked the provost and vice chancellors to work with their respective divisions on the best way to absorb these cuts. They will also be in touch with strategies for better resource management and cost containment.”
Because of a revenue shortfall in the state budget, Gov. Mike Easley has directed all UNC campuses to cut budgets by 3 percent. That is in addition to a cut of almost 1 percent made at the beginning of the fiscal year.
North Carolina tax collections were as much as $70 million below projections through August. September figures aren’t available yet.
Two weeks ago, Easley said he would order cutbacks early in the fiscal year so they won’t be that painful — or necessary — when his successor takes office in January.
All of the cuts could be restored when the economy improves.
Money to design the UNCG education building was already in place, Gilliam said, so planning for the 110,000-square-foot structure will continue. Construction was scheduled to start next spring, with an opening set for the 2011 fall semester.
Brady told UNCG employees that at least 20 states already have made cuts to public university budgets.
“We have been treated very well by the General Assembly over the past several years, but North Carolina unfortunately is not immune to the financial challenges facing our country,” Brady wrote.
Brady, who is in her first year as UNCG chancellor, said the university will continue working on a five-year strategic plan, despite the economic situation.
“I appreciate your understanding, support, and cooperation as we work through these challenging economic times,” Brady wrote in her e-mail. “We remain committed to our core missions of teaching, research and service.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Contact Jeff Mills at 373-7024 or jeff.mills@news-record.com
Thursday, October 23
(updated 5:25 am)
By Jeff Mills
Staff Writer
GREENSBORO — The state government in Raleigh is short of cash, and the state universities in Greensboro are feeling the pinch.
Funding for a number of campus projects has been put on hold, UNCG spokesman Steve Gilliam said Wednesday, including planning and design money for a $46 million joint data center that would serve the computer needs of UNCG and N.C. A&T.
The universities announced the information technology project in January and hoped to have the data center up and running in three years at the Gateway University Research Park’s south campus off Lee Street near Interstate 40.
Now it’s on hold, along with other UNCG projects:
* Construction of a new $47 million School of Education building.
* Roof repairs for the School of Health and Human Performance.
* Assorted repair and renovation projects including window replacements, elevator repairs and steam line improvements.
N.C. A&T likely will have other projects affected, as well, but specifics were not known Wednesday.
“We are not able to provide a definitive answer today,” A&T spokeswoman Mable Scott said. “We’re in the budget review process right now.”
The School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, a joint project between UNCG and A&T, appears to be unaffected because funds were appropriated in last year’s state budget.
In announcing the postponement of breaking ground on the education building, UNCG Chancellor Linda Brady warned employees that more cuts could be coming.
“I hope this will be the extent of the cuts, but it is very possible that we will be asked to absorb further cuts this year or next,” Brady wrote in an e-mail to UNCG’s 2,500 faculty and staff members. “I have asked the provost and vice chancellors to work with their respective divisions on the best way to absorb these cuts. They will also be in touch with strategies for better resource management and cost containment.”
Because of a revenue shortfall in the state budget, Gov. Mike Easley has directed all UNC campuses to cut budgets by 3 percent. That is in addition to a cut of almost 1 percent made at the beginning of the fiscal year.
North Carolina tax collections were as much as $70 million below projections through August. September figures aren’t available yet.
Two weeks ago, Easley said he would order cutbacks early in the fiscal year so they won’t be that painful — or necessary — when his successor takes office in January.
All of the cuts could be restored when the economy improves.
Money to design the UNCG education building was already in place, Gilliam said, so planning for the 110,000-square-foot structure will continue. Construction was scheduled to start next spring, with an opening set for the 2011 fall semester.
Brady told UNCG employees that at least 20 states already have made cuts to public university budgets.
“We have been treated very well by the General Assembly over the past several years, but North Carolina unfortunately is not immune to the financial challenges facing our country,” Brady wrote.
Brady, who is in her first year as UNCG chancellor, said the university will continue working on a five-year strategic plan, despite the economic situation.
“I appreciate your understanding, support, and cooperation as we work through these challenging economic times,” Brady wrote in her e-mail. “We remain committed to our core missions of teaching, research and service.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Contact Jeff Mills at 373-7024 or jeff.mills@news-record.com
