House Public Works Committee Approves Capital Budget Bill that Funds the University System's KEEP Program

March 29, 2005 - Concord , NH - The House Public Works and Highways Committee approved legislation on March 23 that would fund a number of high priority renovation and modernization projects at the University System of New Hampshire (USNH). The Committee included $109.5 million in funding over the next four biennia (eight years) to support key projects requested by USNH as part of the System's Knowledge Economy Education Plan (KEEP).

House Bill 25, which was drafted by the Committee after numerous public hearings from state agency and public higher education representatives, makes capital appropriations for projects across the state. The Committee approved the bill by a 17-0 vote and the House referred it to the Finance Committee on March 30.

"We are very pleased with the Public Works and Highways Committee's endorsement of KEEP and the recommended funding level," said Dr. Stephen Reno, chancellor of the University System. "While we are aware that this is the first step in the legislative process, the Committee's action represents a major commitment to the quality and competitiveness of the University System."

KEEP was launched in 2000 to provide funds for the renovation and modernization of USNH science and technology buildings which provide much of the infrastructure essential to the health of New Hampshire 's economy. In 2001, the New Hampshire Legislature appropriated $100 million in capital funds to support the first phase of the KEEP initiatives. The funds included in the FY2006-2007 capital budget represent the balance of the request, adjusted for inflation and the lengthened time period from what was envisioned in the original request.

The initial funding for KEEP New Hampshire has enabled USNH to complete four major projects: the renovation and expansion of Mason Library and the complete renovation of the Science Center at Keene State College (KSC); the full renovation of the science facility Boyd Hall at Plymouth State University (PSU); and the renovation and upgrade of Murkland Hall at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Durham campus. A fifth project - the renovation and expansion of Kingsbury Hall at UNH - is scheduled for completion in 2007.

The first round of KEEP funds has already made a positive impact on the system. UNH, PSU, and KSC have seen increases in applications to programs in science, engineering, and technology. The state support has leveraged significant private and corporate gifts at all three institutions and has helped the institutions secure additional research grants as well. All projects have been or are scheduled to be completed on time and on budget.

KEEP funds included in the capital budget recommendation would support renovations at DeMeritt Hall, James Hall, and Parsons Hall at UNH, campus infrastructure improvements at KSC and PSU, upgrades to a digital broadcasting platform at New Hampshire Public Television, "University Centers" (which will focus on collaborative efforts with the NH Community Technical College System) and planning funds for renovation of Nesmith Hall at UNH, a media arts center at KSC, and a physical education center at PSU.

USNH plans to invest more than $500 million in significant renovation, rehabilitation, and construction projects between 2004 and 2011. Of this amount, less than 30% is being requested from the State, and USNH well self-fund the remainder.

About the University System of New Hampshire:

The mission of the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) is to serve the higher educational needs of the people of New Hampshire. Through its sister institutions (University of New Hampshire , Plymouth State University, Keene State College, and College for Lifelong Learning), USNH presently serves almost 30,000 students.

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