ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan. 15, 2016 – Today, Governor Dayton introduced a Job Bill that included his recommendation for HEAPR and bonding projects.

Steven Rosenstone, chancellor of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, said:

“We deeply appreciate the governor’s continued commitment to our colleges and universities. Projects in our request represent the highest priority needs on our campuses – projects designed to build opportunities for students from all backgrounds to become the homegrown talent Minnesota needs to prosper.”

Michael Vekich, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said:

“We are pleased to have the governor’s support for our board’s request and our priorities, which will directly benefit students and the quality of their education. The projects our board has proposed on campuses across the state will enable us to continue to be responsible stewards of Minnesota’s critical public assets.”

The governor’s recommendation includes the following HEAPR and bonding projects for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities:

• Systemwide – HEAPR $80,000,000
• South Central College – STEM and Healthcare design and renovation $5,733,000
• Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Fergus Falls ‐ Center for Student and Workforce Success Design and Renovation $652,000
• Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Wadena ‐ Library and Student Development Design and Renovation $547,000
• Northland Community and Technical College, East Grand Forks ‐ Laboratory Design and Renovations $551,000
• Bemidji State University ‐ Academic Learning Center (Hagg Sauer Replacement) Design and Renovation $12,065,000
• Rochester Community and Technical College ‐ Memorial and Plaza Halls Removal, Design, Renovation and Construction $13,590,000
• Hibbing Community College ‐ Campus Reconfiguration $6,639,000
• Winona State University ‐ Education Village Phase 2, Renovation and Demolition $16,871,000
• St. Cloud State University ‐ Student Health and Academic Renovation $12,381,000
• Minnesota State University, Mankato ‐ Clinical Sciences Phase 2, Design and Renovation $4,350,000

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities include 30 community and technical colleges and seven state universities serving more than 400,000 students. It is the fifth-largest higher education system in the United States.