A $969 million package of building construction – with up to $22.5 million of that lump sum allotted to Grand Valley State University – sits on the desk in the Michigan Governor’s office waiting to be signed into operation while the Democrats who backed it wait patiently in tow.

“Among its provisions is authorization for a new laboratory/classroom/faculty office building for the Allendale campus,” said Vice President of University Relations Matt McLogan.

Although the package cruised through the GOP-run Senate, the legislation struggled in the House late last week when it reached heavy Republican opposition who argued the irresponsibility of the spending in the face of the estimated $1.5 billion budget deficit for the 2012 fiscal year.

“We need to be careful with how we approve these projects – there’s no question about that,” said Senator Wayne Kuipers (R-Holland).

Kuipers backed the capital outlay, which allots money for construction to GVSU as well as Grand Rapids Community College and Ferris State University’s Grand Rapids campus.

“When you look at the actual Bill, there are several projects that are in line to receive state support with costs ranging from $1.5 million to $200 million,” said James Moyer, assistant vice president for Facilities Planning. “Each request is considered important in the particular context of the institution. For the student who cannot register for a required class and is obligated to spend another year at the university, this is important.”

McLogan said the offices for the campus would provide additional capacity for science and health professions programs, which are in increasingly high demand throughout West Michigan’s growing medical fields.

Moyer added the current lack of space prohibits students from timely access to certain classes essential to degree completion requirements, ultimately translating into additional semesters spent earning their degrees.

“We have faculty that are not afforded an office, other instances where faculty cannot continue their pursuit of knowledge that would benefit the instructional mission,” Moyer said. “The proposed building will help alleviate these situations.”

Moyer said with constant news and scrutiny surrounding the need for a better-educated workforce comes the need for more capacity in producing that workforce.

“GVSU is one of several institutions that were founded for that very purpose,” Moyer said. “GVSU also has the responsibility to provide the facilities and faculty to make sure that the student receives the requested education in the shortest amount of time. For the student and parents paying the costs of education, four years is an easier task than six years.”

The bill is essential to GVSU’s construction project, which has a project total cost of $55 million. Although unlikely, provided the bill does not pass through Senate, Moyer said the university would have to resubmit the project through the next budgeting cycle and continue to seek state support.

Moyer added the university hopes the governor will sign bill and the project will ultimately be funded.

“The reality is we’re still under the bond-cap that the legislature has used in good times and in bad times, so I certainly understand the point of view that this is not a good expenditure of taxpayer money,” Kuipers said. “However, I would counter that these projects are necessary if we want our universities to maintain their status as some of the best in the country.”

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