Several universities across Indiana are requesting funding approval for a range of projects aimed at addressing infrastructure needs. These requests will come before the State Budget Committee this week. Here’s a breakdown of the proposed projects:
Ball State University: $45 million for innovation and performing arts
The Ball State University Board of Trustees is seeking $45 million to fund lease and lease purchase agreements for portions of the Performing Arts Center and the Center for Innovation. The project will be financed through Lease Purchase Obligations (LPO), Series 2024, facilitated by the Ball State Innovation Corporation (BSIC).
The agreement includes a 20-year lease arrangement, where Ball State will lease the land to BSIC until the obligations are fully paid off, at which point ownership of the facilities will transfer to the university. Funding for this initiative will come from the university’s operating reserves. The Commission for Higher Education (CHE) reviewed the proposal on October 10, 2024.
Indiana University: $2.8 million for accessible pool facilities
Indiana University has proposed the renovation and replacement of the aging Bradford Woods Lilly Pool on its Bloomington campus. The $2.8 million project will replace the outdated 1970s aluminum pool with a modern, zero-entry pool for improved accessibility. The plans also include building two single-occupancy, accessible restrooms to replace the existing bathhouse.
The project will be funded through a private grant, and CHE reviewed the proposal in October 2024.
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Purdue University Fort Wayne: $2.1 million for deferred maintenance
Purdue University is aiming to address maintenance needs on its Fort Wayne campus with a $2.1 million request. The project will tackle six high-priority issues, including repairs to building chillers, air handling units, hydronic heating systems, HVAC controls, and metal panel walls.
Funding for the deferred maintenance projects will come from the state’s General Fund, as allocated in the 2023 budget through HEA 1001. CHE provided its review of the request on October 10, 2024.
Purdue University: $1.01 million for laboratory IT modernization
Purdue is also requesting $1.01 million to implement a new Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and accompanying Quality Management Software (QMS). The new system aims to modernize the university’s IT infrastructure to enhance diagnostic operations, support research functions, and ensure compliance with accreditation standards.
The funding comprises $1 million from the state General Fund under HEA 1001 and $10,000 from Purdue’s operating reserves.