UNLV plans $75 mil. engineering building

Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2002 | 11:20 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- UNLV officials outlined plans today for its proposed $75 million science, engineering and technology building, the most expensive project proposed by state agencies for the new biennium.

The state Public Works Board started two days of hearing request from agencies for their construction needs for the next two years. Requests from all of the agencies come to $589.5 million, of which $378.1 million would be paid by the state.

But state Budget Director Perry Comeaux said there won't be enough money to fund all of the projects. He said the state has "kick-started" building projects with extra cash in the past. But he said, "I don't expect a lot of cash laying around" at the end of the fiscal year, on June 30.

In all the University and Community College System of Nevada is asking for $337.3 million for 26 building projects. That is followed by the state Department of Human Resources at $111.4 million for 45 structures. And the Department of Prisons wants $431.2 million for 23 projects.

The university already received $8.8 million from the 2001 Legislature to design the engineering building. It is asking for $41.1 million in state money and plans to raise an additional $25 million in donations.

UNLV officials said this building will promote research and further the state's goal of economic diversification.