Southwest Missouri State seeks construction money

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Though Gov. Bob Holden didn't approve any construction money for state colleges this year, Southwest Missouri State University officials will seek nearly $39 million for capital improvements.

The university's Board of Governors on Friday approved a request that includes plans for remodeling six buildings and additions to McDonald Arena and University College Hall.

University President John Keiser said all of the facilities "require ongoing care and feeding."

Greg Burris, acting vice president for administrative services, said the university can only hope for the best when the request goes to the Department of Higher Education at the end of the month.

"This is simply putting together the best case for our projects and keeping our fingers crossed. We have not gotten any indication from the state on funding," Burris said.

The requests will be forwarded to the higher education staff for review with final requests going to the governor's office in October.

Keiser said he isn't sure what the outcome of the requests will be once they are sent to the state's higher education department.

Mark Reading, assistant director for budget with the Missouri Office of Administration, said it was too early to tell whether any capital requests would be funded next year.

"It's been a difficult fiscal year," Reading said. "We still have a week left in this year and then we'll take a look at next year."

The McDonald Arena and Hall renovation, estimated to cost about $12.5 million, will include a two-story addition to be built over the inoperable 50-meter swimming pool on the north side of the building. The addition would contain a multipurpose room, classrooms, an exercise-science laboratory, fitness laboratories, a free-weight room and offices.