UNC funds will go toward improvements

The University of Northern Colorado will receive much-needed improvements to its residence halls, recreation facilities and parking facilities due in part to Referendum C. The measure has allowed state lawmakers to re-invest into parts of the budget that have suffered in recent years, including higher education. A total of $230 million was given to Colorado universities and colleges for repairs. UNC received more than $20 million dollars for the improvements, all of which are either completed or under way.

Four of the five components of the recreational facilities project are under construction or complete, including the fields for the Jackson Sports Complex and new bleachers in the Butler-Hancock Gym. The improvements to Nottingham Field are scheduled to begin in the spring of 2007.

The design is currently under way for electrical and fire alarm projects in Butler- Hancock, Carter, Frasier, Kepner and McKee Halls.

The expansion of the "T" lot is scheduled to be completed in November. The Jackson lot is scheduled for construction in the spring of 2007.

The University of Colorado-Boulder was awarded $15 million, which went towards fire and electrical upgrades, improvements for its outdoor recreational facility and a new visual arts complex.

Colorado State University received more than $49 million. The money will be used for a new veterinary teaching hospital, to construct a new atmospheric sciences building and to renovate the Foothills Campus.