Sure the University is facing a budget shortfall of over $1 million. But in the realm of the funding formula there’s operational costs, and then there’s capital improvement costs.
So when voters go to the polls in November, they’ll be asked to approve a $36 million bond that will help fund projects across the University of Maine System. For USM, it could mean $8 million for a new community education facility on the Portland campus, including a parking garage.
“It seems like such an irony,” said President Richard Pattenaude of the potential award. But even with a budget shortfall looming, there are still structural needs to be met.
When the funding bill was first proposed by State Senator Mary Cathcart, it included over $61.2 million in funding for system-wide projects, said Robert Caswell, executive director, Media and Community Relations. After passing through several review committees, however, the funding was whittled down to $36.7 million.
“So they cut it pretty much in half,” Caswell said.
USM had to cut $5 million that would have been used for renovations to Bailey Hall on the Gorham campus, he said. But the $8 million portion approved by the Legislature in June is still a milestone for the University.
“It’s a historic bill for us,” Caswell said. “We have, for the first time, the largest slice of the pie.”
The second largest amount – $5.6 million – is slated for the construction of a health and physical education complex on the University of Maine, Presque Isle, campus.
If voters approve the bond, which is basically a state loan, then USM will begin construction on the new community education facility and its complementary $14 million parking garage.
“This facility is really sorely needed,” Caswell said. “We’re serving more and more people.”
USM hosts about 84,000 people a year through various workshops, and the only space to entertain on the Portland campus is the 200-seat space of Luther-Bonney auditorium or the crass confines of the Sullivan Gymnasium.
The building, which will be located on the lot behind the Bedford Street Powers House, would provide a 500-seat auditorium and over 1,500 square feet of class and meeting space.
“It’s essential that we get this bond,” Pattenaude said.
The decision will be up to voters, but officials are confident that people will vote to approve.
“I think the chances are very good,” Caswell said.
This is the first bond in 10 years that will be focused on capital improvement projects, he said. The last bond, awarded in 1998, secured funding to enhance USM’s research and development programs.
“The people of Maine have been supportive,” agreed Pattenaude, “but we can’t be complacent.”
Pattenaude intends to speak in support of the bond at various gatherings including the Rotary Club. UMS plans to air public education commercials and other advertisements to help persuade voters, Caswell said.
Anyone interested in getting involved with the campaign can contact Caswell at 207-780-4200.
News Editor Glen Bolduc can be contacted at: [email protected]